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 | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| February 10, 2025 | Midwater BESS Joint Permit Application | Joint BESS and Transmission Line Permits with Attachments |
| February 9, 2025 | Notice of Public Information and Environmental Assessment Scoping Meetings | 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 |
Docket Documents
View Project Documents (last 30) View All Project Documents
| Date | Title | On Behalf Of | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 9, 2025 | 20257-220799-01 | PUC | Notice of Legislative Changes |
| July 2, 2025 | 20257-220620-01 | PUC EIP | Advisory Task Force Appointment Letter |
| July 2, 2025 | 20257-221036-01 | PUC | May 22, 2025 Agenda |
| June 18, 2025 | 20256-220015-01 | DOC EERA | ADVISORY TASK FORCE ESTABLISHMENT, CHARGE, AND ORDER |
| June 2, 2025 | 20256-219493-01 | PUC | |
| May 27, 2025 | 20255-219255-01 | OAH | Order Cancelling Prehearing Conference and Staying Proceeding |
| May 21, 2025 | 20255-219170-01 | PUC | MAY 22, 2025 AGENDA COMMISSIONER TUMA REVISED DECISION OPTIONS |
| May 20, 2025 | 20255-219121-01 | PUC | May 22, 2025 Agenda, Decision Option-Commissioner Tuma |
| May 16, 2025 | 20255-219022-01 | PUC | May 22, 2025 Agenda |
| May 9, 2025 | 20255-218673-01 | PUC | May 22, 2025 Agenda Meeting |
| May 5, 2025 | 20255-218581-01 | DOC EERA | EERA Alternative Site Comment Letter, May 5, 2025 |
| May 5, 2025 | 20255-218578-01 | DOC EERA | Midwater Public Comments Batch 5 |
| May 1, 2025 | 20255-218448-01 | OAH | Order for Prehearing Conference |
| April 30, 2025 | 20254-218408-01 | DOC EERA | Midwater Public Comments Batch 4 |
| April 30, 2025 | 20254-218333-01 | DOC EERA | Oral Comments - Glenville Public Scoping Meeting - April 7, 2025 |
| April 28, 2025 | 20254-218205-01 | PUC | Additional Scoping Meeting Presentation |
| April 25, 2025 | 20254-218151-01 | DOC EERA | Midwater Public Comment Batch 3 |
| April 24, 2025 | 20254-218094-01 | DOC EERA | Shell Rock River Watershed District, April 18, 2025 |
| April 22, 2025 | 20254-217987-01 | PUC | Revised Nicole Eckstrom |
| April 22, 2025 | 20254-217999-02 | PUC | Mary Matze |
| April 21, 2025 | 20254-217951-01 | Midwater Bess, LLC | |
| April 21, 2025 | 20254-218017-01 | PUC | Butler County Board of Supervisors |
| April 21, 2025 | 20254-217919-01 | IUOE Local 49 and NCSRC of Carpenters | |
| April 17, 2025 | 20254-217825-01 | DOC EERA | Freeborn County Resolution April 17, 2025 |
| April 15, 2025 | 20254-217698-01 | PUC | Scoping Meeting Presentation |
| April 15, 2025 | 20254-217701-01 | PUC | Butler County Board of Supervisors |
| April 15, 2025 | 20254-217720-01 | DOC EERA | MPCA Comment Letter April 15, 2025 |
| April 9, 2025 | 20254-217456-01 | DOC EERA | Shell Rock Township Resolution |
| April 9, 2025 | 20254-217434-01 | PUC | Nicole Eckstrom |
| April 2, 2025 | 20254-217191-01 | Midwater BESS, LLC | Confirmation of SHPO Consultation |