Minnesota electric cooperative Connexus Energy is reportedly in talks to build the “largest energy storage project” in the US state alongside three solar installations.
According to Minnesota non-profit firm Fresh Energy, Connexus is now “in negotiations with vendors” over plans for a facility capable of storing 20MW – “the equivalent of 40MWh of energy”.
However, Connexus declined to give details. A spokesperson for the cooperative told BBB: “We’re still in the (site) selection process. At this time, we are not ready to discuss this project further.”
The spokesperson said a formal statement would be issued “when the decisions have been made”.
A University of Minnesota (UMN) report, published in July 2017, said “when environmental benefits are considered, combined energy storage and solar arrays can be a more cost-effective alternative in Minnesota – implementable today – to natural gas peaking plants, which are fired up only to meet peak demand”.
The UMN report recommended firms work with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to propose a commercial scale procurement project “to achieve progress on demonstrating energy storage as a viable alternative to new gas peakers or other appropriate use cases – and help identify best practices for storage project development”.
