Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE, and the Minnesota National Guard signed a memorandum of understanding outlining plans to build a 10-MW utility-scale solar energy array at Camp Ripley, located in central Minnesota. The project will be the largest solar energy installation on military property in the state. The solar farm and backup generation will be designed and constructed to allow Camp Ripley to use the energy produced by the project during infrequent periods when the electric grid is down, providing enhanced energy security for the military site. During non-emergency operation the solar energy produced would flow into Minnesota Power's electric service territory, which encompasses 26,000 square miles in central and northern Minnesota. Projected to cost $25 million, the solar energy project could be completed in the 2015-2016 timeframe.
