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Green technology

Duluth City Council to Consider 37-Acre Solar Facility on Former Hayfield

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Duluth City Council is set to vote on a resolution that would allow city staff to negotiate a development agreement for a 37-acre solar power generation facility on a former hayfield north of Hawk Ridge. The proposal, submitted by Eden Renewables, a company based in Troy, New York, aims to develop up to 10-megawatts of solar capacity in Duluth. After reviewing eight potential proposals, a panel unanimously selected Eden Renewables' plan as the top choice.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed solar facility would be located on a 37-acre site north of Hawk Ridge, on land zoned for "parks and open space."
  • Eden Renewables, a company with existing operations in the US, UK, and Sub-Saharan Africa, has proposed developing up to 10-megawatts of solar capacity in Duluth.
  • The company's plan was selected as the top choice after a review of eight potential proposals, and city officials have expressed confidence in the proposal's feasibility despite concerns about Duluth's weather.
  • Lease fees from the project could generate at least $1.43 million in revenue for the city over a 25-year period, with an estimated $175,000 in additional revenue from solar production taxes.
  • The Duluth City Council's vote on the resolution is expected to increase the prospects of the project, which will ultimately be decided by Minnesota Power after its announcement of a shortlist of projects in August.
  • If the project is selected, Eden Renewables would need to complete construction by December 31, 2028, and negotiations are expected to be completed by June 2026.

Statistics:

  • The proposed solar facility would generate up to 10-megawatts of solar capacity.
  • Lease fees from the project could generate at least $1.43 million in revenue for the city over a 25-year period.
  • The estimated revenue from solar production taxes over the same period is $175,000.
  • The land for the proposed solar facility is located on a 37-acre site, and the project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2028.
  • Negotiations on the project are expected to be completed by June 2026, with Minnesota Power's top selections to be revealed in February 2026.

Sources:

  • The Duluth News Tribune
  • Eden Renewables
  • Minnesota Power
  • City of Duluth

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