SOLAR POWER IN MINNESOTA
Birch Coulee solar project
The Birch Coulee project is helping to build a secure and sustainable energy future in Renville County, Minnesota. As a company dedicated to developing and delivering innovative energy solutions with long-term impact, our projects create jobs, build community partnerships, generate revenue for local governments and schools, and protect the environment.
125 MW planned capacity
Enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 29,399 homes annually
Located in Renville County, MN
Our clean energy commitment
We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure.
Economic and environmental benefits
The project is expected to generate substantial economic and environmental benefits for local communities and the region.
268,250 MWh
carbon-free electricity generated each year, improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions
$18 million
expected new tax revenue for Franklin community, local schools and Renville County over the life of the project
300 local jobs
expected to be created during construction
Project details
- 1,000 acres of privately-owned land, equivalent to 0.18% of farmland in Renville County, Minnesota
- At the end of the project's life, a decommissioning plan enables the land to return to agricultural use or other uses consistent with landowner preferences
- AES will be the long-term owner and operator of the facility
- Read the project FAQ here -->
Clean energy benefits
local communities
Long-term tax revenue to local communities and school districts
Job creation during construction and operation
Local economic stimulus during construction
Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions
Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits
Expected Project timeline
2021 – 2026
Project Preparation
Development, Siting, Permitting
2027 - 2028
In Development
Construction
2028
Operational
Operations
Project updates
Sustainability Resources
Sustainability best practices
At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we’ve focused on improving lives for more than 40 years. As a leading innovator in energy solutions, sustainability is core to both our strategy and our culture. We are committed to responsible land use and incorporating sustainable best practices into the entire project lifecycle, contributing to building a domestic circular renewables economy and reducing foreign dependence.
Environmental and technical studies
We conduct a series of studies that ensure our projects are thoughtfully and responsibly designed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Local partnerships
At AES, we understand that our success as a company is only as strong as our partnerships with the communities where we operate. That’s why we partner with communities, customers, state agencies, higher education, elected officials, and other key stakeholders to see how we can best work together to support sustainable social and economic development. Some examples include:
- Advancing youth entrepreneurship in Michigan: AES funded a Youth Entrepreneur Incubator to teach students business and finance by running their own ventures, and also supported a robotics club and an Underwater Remote Operated Vehicles Course.
- Increasing STEM career exposure in Missouri: AES helped fund a program aimed at preparing children for future careers in STEM. AES also helped fund a program focused on helping girls from 14-17 be successful in life after high school.
- Dual-use solutions in Massachusetts: AES partnered with the US Department of Energy Solar Technology Office to develop a dual-use solar project supporting cattle grazing and crops, reflecting our commitment to enhancing solar design for agricultural production.
Meet your AES team
Lauren Colwell
Katie Haarsager
Claire Spitz
Contact us
We appreciate your interest in AES’ Birch Coulee Solar Project. Please contact us using the information below.