Nobles Energy Storage Project

The Nobles Battery Energy Storage System Project will be located approximately 0.5 mile north of Reading, Minnesota, near the intersection of 190th Street and McCall Avenue, on approximately 154 acres of land owned by Xcel Energy. The Company selected the site due to its proximity to existing electrical infrastructure and anticipated minimal impacts to natural resources, and no alternative sites were considered. The Project will utilize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology to provide up to 300 MW of power to the electrical grid for four continuous hours, supported by a 300 MW Generator Interconnection Agreement with MISO. The preliminary design includes approximately 260 battery storage units, 65 medium-voltage transformers, two main power transformers, inverters, electrical feeder lines, a substation, and an approximately 1,300-foot 115-kV generation interconnection line, along with access roads, security fencing, stormwater basins, and supporting facilities. Approximately 31 acres will be developed, including a temporary two-acre construction laydown yard that will be restored following construction, while areas outside the designated development footprint will remain undisturbed. The Project design exceeds applicable Nobles County agricultural zoning setback requirements, maintaining at least 200 feet from public roadway centerlines, except for permanent access roads. Xcel Energy is currently evaluating Sungrow battery equipment for the Project, with final technology and equipment specifications to be determined during procurement and final engineering. LFP technology was selected for its thermal stability, reduced risk of thermal runaway compared to certain alternative battery chemistries, scalability, and ability to provide rapid grid support.