Lyon County Generating Station Project

The Project includes three major components:

1. Generation Project: This involves the construction and operation of two combustion turbines (CTs), each with a capacity of approximately 210 megawatts (MW). These turbines will be located on-site with supporting infrastructure such as operation facilities, a water bath heater, emergency diesel fire pump, and diesel backup generators. Together, they form the Generation Project, which requires a Certificate of Need and a Site Permit.
    
2. Transmission Lines: The project includes two short transmission line connections that will link the generation site to the regional grid. These lines are essential to transfer electricity from the turbines to the broader network. Approval is sought under the Commission’s alternative permitting process for these lines.
    
3. Natural Gas Pipeline: A key component of the project is a 965-foot natural gas pipeline. This pipeline includes approximately 700 feet of 12-inch diameter pipe and two branches of 8-inch pipe, each connecting to a combustion turbine. It will operate at around 550 psig and connect to an existing Applicant gas line. Due to its limited scale and potential impact, Xcel Energy is requesting a partial exemption from the standard pipeline routing procedures as per Minnesota Rules Chapter 7852.0700.

These elements together constitute the full Lyon County Generating Station Project. The entire facility will be located on two parcels in Lyon County, Minnesota, adjacent to the proposed Garvin Substation. The site was chosen to align with the southern terminus of the Minnesota Energy Connection Project (MNEC), an infrastructure initiative featuring a 345-kilovolt (kV), 180-mile double-circuit transmission line connecting the Sherburne County Generation Station Substation in Becker to the Garvin Substation. The Project’s successful operation is dependent on the completion and energization of the MNEC.

The Project footprint covers about 155 acres, but permanent development and environmental impact will be limited to approximately 30 acres. Xcel Energy will own the parcels on which the Project will be constructed, ensuring control over land use and compliance with operational and environmental standards. The proposal aligns with ongoing energy transition efforts and broader state planning for future electrical grid needs. od.