FERGUS FALLS, M.N., (NewsDakota.com) – Otter Tail Power Company plans to add two solar facilities to its energy generation fleet to meet customers’ future energy needs. On December 9 the company requested Minnesota Public Utilities Commission determination that the costs associated with Solway Solar and Abercrombie Solar are eligible for cost recovery.
“These economic solar facilities fit the requirements of our recently approved Minnesota Integrated Resource Plan,” said Otter Tail Power President Tim Rogelstad. “Combined with our existing low-cost generation resources, they’ll help us continue to provide cost-effective, reliable electricity to our customers.”
Solway Solar is a 50-megawatt (MW) solar generation facility the company plans to build in Lammers Township near Solway, Minnesota. Depending on the timing of project approvals, Otter Tail Power anticipates Solway Solar to be fully operational in 2026. “This location offers an opportunity to add solar generation where transmission interconnection facilities already exist, which helps keep costs low for our customers,” said Rogelstad.
Otter Tail Power estimates $4.2 million in local and state tax benefits over the 35-year life of the facility, with approximately 70 construction jobs during the peak of the 9-month construction period.
Abercrombie Solar, currently known as the Flickertail Solar Project, is a 295-MW solar generation facility under development in Abercrombie Township northwest of Wahpeton, North Dakota. Otter Tail Power has signed an agreement with Flickertail Solar Project, LLC to buy the development assets—once permits and regulatory approvals are received and other contractual requirements are met—with the intention to build the project. “We’re looking forward to adding this significant energy resource that’s cost effective for our customers,” said Rogelstad.
Expected to be complete in 2028, the company estimates the project to provide $23.8 million in local and state tax benefits over the 35-year life of the facility and create approximately 300 construction jobs at peak construction.
Otter Tail Power’s Integrated Resource Plan outlines the combination of resources the company will use to meet its customers’ energy needs during the next 15 years. “We expect that 57 percent of our energy generation will come from renewable resources by 2030, while ensuring electric service continues to be safe, reliable, and economical,” said Rogelstad.