Xcel Energy is seeking proposals from developers for new renewable energy solar projects and solar projects with energy storage.

Xcel states it is seeking proposals that will provide at least 900 megawatts of electric generation to meet the energy needs of its customers and help Xcel reduce carbon emissions by 85% in the region by 2030, compared to 2005. It has a goal of providing 100% carbon-free electricity to its customers by 2050.

The company aims to have about 300 megawatts of the new energy resources connected to the grid at its Sherco plant site in Sherburne County, Minnesota. A coal plant that has provided power is to be retired in phases beginning in 2023. All of the company’s Upper Midwest coal plants are to be retired by 2030 and nuclear energy at its Monticello, Minnesota, plant will be extended to 2040.

This request allows a range of project types and sizes that interconnect to transmission or distribution lines. Eligible resources include solar and solar plus storage hybrid resources.

Interested parties may email any questions to NSP2022RFP@xcelenergy.com. More information about the Request for Proposals, including a detailed schedule and responses to all submitted questions will be periodically posted for all interested bidders at www.xcelenergy.com/NSP2022RFP.

The proposals will be part of its recently approved Upper Midwest Energy Plan, which also calls for more than half of the electricity in the region to come from wind and solar power by the end of this decade.