Elk Creek Solar Project
Project Details
On September 16, 2019, Geronimo Energy submitted a site permit application to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) under the alternative review process (Minnesota Statute 216E.04; Minnesota Rule 7850.2800-3900). Geronimo Energy proposes to construct the Elk Creek Solar Project (Project), a solar energy conversion facility with an 80-megawatt (MW) alternating current (AC) nameplate capacity, in Vienna Township, Rock County, Minnesota.
Project Contact
Project Summary
Elk Creek Solar, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Geronimo Energy, LLC) proposes to construct the Elk Creek Solar Project—an 80 MW solar energy generating system in Rock County. Its primary components include photovoltaic panels affixed to a linear ground-mounted single-axis tracking system, inverters and transformers housed in electrical cabinets, electrical collection system, project substation, and SCADA systems and metering equipment. The proposed project also requires fencing, access roads, laydown areas, two weather stations, and an operation and maintenance facility. It would interconnect to the electrical grid at the existing Magnolia Substation, which is adjacent to the Project.
The proposed project is located 1.5 miles north of Magnolia. Based on preliminary design, the Project facilities will cover approximately 681 acres.
Elk Creek Solar is seeking approval for the proposed project under the Alternative Review Process detailed in Minnesota Statute 216E.04 and Minnesota Rule 7850.2800-3900.
Key Project Documents
| Date | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2024 | Order issuing Amended Site Permit, June 11, 2024 | Order issuing Amended Site Permit, June 11, 2024 |
| January 30, 2024 | Elk Creek Solar 160 MW Project Environmental Assessment | Elk Creek Solar 160 MW Project Environmental Assessment |
| October 23, 2023 | Environmental Assessment Scoping Decision for Elk Creek Solar Project, PUC Docket Nos. IP7009/GS-19-495 | The above matter is before the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce for a decision on the scope of the environmental assessment to be prepared for the Elk Creek Solar Project proposed by Elk Creek Solar, LLC in Rock County. |
| September 14, 2023 | Revised Site Permit Application | On December 21, 2020, the Commission issued a site permit for the 80 MW Elk Creek solar project. However, due to difficulties in obtaining rights to interconnect to the electrical grid, the project was not constructed. Subsequently, Elk Creek Solar, LLC (applicant) obtained interconnection rights and is now proposing to proceed with the project in a revised form. The applicant has revised the project to be an up to 160 MW solar project and has expanded the size of the solar farm from 976 acres to 1,522 acres (see attached project map). The applicant has applied to the Commission to amend its site permit to reflect the larger, revised solar project. |
| January 25, 2021 | Site Permit for a Solar Energy Generating System - Elk Creek Solar, LLC | The Permittee is authorized by this site permit to construct and operate an up to 80 MW alternating current nameplate capacity solar energy conversion system and associated facilities in Vienna Township, Rock County, Minnesota. The solar energy generating system and associated facilities shall be built and operated within the site identified in this permit and as portrayed in the official site maps, and in compliance with the conditions specified in this permit. |