Minnesota Power Plans to Add 750 MW of Natural Gas Generation and Transition to 90% Renewable Energy by 2035

Minnesota Power submitted its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) outlining a transition to 90% renewable energy by 2035. Key points include: * **Natural Gas Integration:** Adding 750 MW of modern natural gas generation technology. * **Coal Transition:** Boswell Energy Center Units 3 and 4 to cease coal use by 2030 and 2035, respectively. Unit 3 will be refueled to run solely on natural gas by 2030. * **Carbon Emission Reduction:** Natural gas replacement will reduce carbon emissions by 65% compared to coal. * **Renewable Energy Target:** Aiming for 80% renewable energy by 2030 and 90% by 2035, complying with Minnesota's carbon-free standard. * **Economic Impact:** Refueling Boswell Energy Center aims to preserve local jobs and tax revenue in Cohasset and Itasca County. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) will review the IRP, with a final decision expected in 2026.