September 13, 2004—Twenty-five proposed renewable energy projects featuring hydroelectric, biomass, wind, solar, and biofuel technologies have been selected to receive more than $22 million from the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund.
More than 200 renewable energy project proposals were considered, three times the number submitted in the program’s first funding cycle in 2001. Organizers say that the high level of interest shown in the program reflects “an increasing awareness that renewable energy is a reality, not just a possibility.”
The Renewable Development Fund money comes from Xcel Energy customers. Each year the company collects $16 million for the fund in accordance with state statute. Owners of energy production projects sell the energy to Xcel Energy or use the energy themselves. All selected projects are subject to final approval by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
Energy production projects (locations denote project site):
- SAF Hydroelectric, Minneapolis, MN, to use new turbine technology to restore the power generating potential of the Lower St. Anthony Falls Hydroelectric plant, $2 million.
- Central Minnesota Ethanol Cooperative (with Sebesta Blomberg, Primenergy, PCL and Interstates), Little Falls, MN, to build biomass energy plant to co-generate heat and electricity using a steam turbine fueled by gasification and agricultural residues, $2 million.
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, to refurbish the Southeast Steam Plant to accommodate an increase in biomass fuel mix for a new circulating fluidized bed boiler, $2 million.
- Ripley Dairy, Dodge County, MN, to install an anaerobic digester system from which methane biogas will be collected and used for fuel in combined heat and power gensets, $399,371.
- Diamond K and Greden’s Ponderosa Dairies, Altura, MN, to invest in a shared anaerobic digestion system and use the energy produced by combusting biogas to run a pair of diesel engines, $936,530.
- St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, to install a wind turbine on campus and use the energy for the college’s own energy needs, $1.5 million.
- Wayzata Public Schools, Wayzata, MN, to construct a wind turbine, the largest in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area, on the campus of Wayzata High School, $1.1 million.
“For a complete list of the energy production and research and development projects selected, visit Xcel Energy.”
