Agenda - Council Work Session - 04/11/2023

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6 Conclusions There is significant capacity for solar development on Minnesota's CLP sites In developing and analyzing data regarding the sites in the MN CLP we estimate solar energy capacity statewide to be on the order of 950 MW. Landfill caps have the potential for 280 MW on approximately 1300 acres and buffer areas could produce 670 MW on approximately 3200 acres. The generating capacity varies from site to site. Table 6-1 shows groupings by capacity. Table 6-1 Solar Generating Capacity at CLP Sites Range of generating capacity (megawatts) rNuber of sites These numbers are approximate; exact capacities are typically determined by developers during the solar equipment design phase. For context: according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce report (reference (6)), there were 596 MW of solar PV capacity operating in Minnesota in 2017. The solar potential at CLP sites could be well aligned with solar development plans being pursued by power utilities with operations in Minnesota. Here are a few examples: • By 2030 Xcel Energy plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 80 percent below 2005 levels company wide. They intend to invest in wind and solar under their "Steel for Fuel" strategy and offer customers more renewable energy options. From their most recent carbon report: "We anticipate adding thousands of megawatts of wind and solar power to our system and incorporating both natural gas and storage resources to help balance high levels of renewables" For more information about Xcel's plans see their most recent carbon report: httDs://www.xceleneray.com/staticfiles/xe/PDF/Xcel%20Enerav%2OCarbon%2OReDort%20 %20Feb%202019.pdf • Minnesota Power is implementing their "Energy Forward" strategy and intend to be at 50% renewable energy by 2021. They intend to install about 23 MW of new solar in Minnesota to be operational in 2021. For more information about their Energy Forward strategy see their website: https:L/www.mnpower.com/Environment/EnergyForward 26