Midwater Energy Storage Project
Project Details
Midwater BESS, LLC, a subsidiary of Spearmint Renewable Development Company, LLC, plans to build and operate a 150-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) and a 2,668-foot long 161 kV high voltage transmission line (HVTL) in Shell Rock Township, Freeborn County, Minnesota. The project, called the Midwater Energy Storage Project, will interconnect the BESS to the grid. Construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2027, with commercial operations set for the end of 2027.
Project Contact
Project Summary
The Midwater Energy Storage Project, consisting of a BESS Facility and a 161 kV high voltage transmission line (HVTL), is planned for construction in Shell Rock Township, Freeborn County, Minnesota, with construction expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027 and commercial operations by the end of 2027. To proceed, Midwater BESS is seeking a Site Permit for the BESS Facility and a Route Permit for the HVTL Facility from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). The application follows the Minnesota Power Plant Siting Act and relevant administrative rules, with specific exemptions for energy storage systems like the Project. These permits are the only land use approvals required for construction.
Interactive Map
Key Project Documents
Date
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Title
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Description
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|---|---|---|
03/01/2026
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Midwater BESS Environmental Assessment
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02/17/2026
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Notice of Public Hearing
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02/10/2025
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Joint BESS and Transmission Line Permits with Attachments
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02/09/2025
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In the Matter of the Joint Application of Midwater BESS, LLC for a Site Permit and Route Permit for the up to 150 MW Midwater Energy Storage Project and Associated 161 kV Transmission Line in Freeborn County, Minnesota
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Docket Documents
View Project Documents (last 30) View All Project Documents
| Date | Document ID | On Behalf Of | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 20, 2026 | 20267-234417-01 | PUC | Comment Received Outside of Comment Period - Dawn Kaasa |
| July 20, 2026 | 20267-234417-01 | PUC | Comment Received Outside of Comment Period - Dawn Kaasa |
| July 15, 2026 | 20267-234217-01 | Midwater BESS, LLC | Midwater Proposed Revisions to Tuma New 11b,c,d & e |
| July 15, 2026 | 20267-234217-01 | Midwater BESS, LLC | Midwater Proposed Revisions to Tuma New 11b,c,d & e |
| July 13, 2026 | 20267-234076-01 | PUC | July 16, 2026 Agenda - Preferred Decision Options - Commissioner Tuma |
| July 13, 2026 | 20267-234076-01 | PUC | July 16, 2026 Agenda - Preferred Decision Options - Commissioner Tuma |
| July 12, 2026 | 20267-234033-01 | LIUNA Minnesota/North Dakota | |
| July 12, 2026 | 20267-234033-01 | LIUNA Minnesota/North Dakota | |
| July 8, 2026 | 20267-233933-01 | PUC | FILED IN ERROR Erik Ellefson |
| July 8, 2026 | 20267-233933-02 | PUC | FILED IN ERROR Rachel Ellefson |
| July 7, 2026 | 20267-233835-01 | Midwater BESS, LLC | Response to IR No. 1.1 |
| July 7, 2026 | 20267-233835-01 | Midwater BESS, LLC | Response to IR No. 1.1 |
| July 2, 2026 | 20267-233746-01 | PUC | July 16, 2026 Agenda |
| July 2, 2026 | 20267-233746-01 | PUC | July 16, 2026 Agenda |
| July 2, 2026 | 20267-233644-01 | PUC | July 16, 2026 Agenda Meeting |
| July 2, 2026 | 20267-233644-01 | PUC | July 16, 2026 Agenda Meeting |
| July 1, 2026 | 20267-233730-01 | PUC | FILED IN ERROR July 16, 2026 Agenda |
| July 1, 2026 | 20267-233730-01 | PUC | FILED IN ERROR July 16, 2026 Agenda |
| June 29, 2026 | 20266-233440-01 | PUC | Information Request |
| June 29, 2026 | 20266-233440-01 | PUC | Information Request |
| May 27, 2026 | 20265-232252-01 | Midwater BESS, LLC | Letter with Exceptions to Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Recommendations of ALJ |
| May 27, 2026 | 20265-232240-01 | PUC EIP | Exceptions to the ALJ Report for Midwater BESS |
| May 27, 2026 | 20265-232252-01 | Midwater BESS, LLC | Letter with Exceptions to Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Recommendations of ALJ |
| May 27, 2026 | 20265-232240-01 | PUC EIP | Exceptions to the ALJ Report for Midwater BESS |
| May 13, 2026 | 20265-231758-01 | CAH | Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Recommendations |
| May 13, 2026 | 20265-231758-01 | CAH | Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Recommendations |
| April 15, 2026 | 20264-230477-01 | Midwater BESS, LLC | Filing Letter with Final Exhibit List |
| April 15, 2026 | 20264-230476-01 | Midwater BESS, LLC | Project Update Letter |
| April 15, 2026 | 20264-230476-01 | Midwater BESS, LLC | Project Update Letter |
| April 15, 2026 | 20264-230477-01 | Midwater BESS, LLC | Filing Letter with Final Exhibit List |