Xcel to triple big solar power in new generation plan

• 10 years ago (2013-09-10)
• David Flin

Renewables 751

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Xcel Energy is proposing to triple the amount of large-scale solar generation in its Colorado power portfolio, according to a report the company has filed with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Xcel also proposes to increase wind energy and power from natural gas-fired generators in order to meet its long-term electricity needs.

Components of the energy plan include:
• Adding 170 MW of utility-scale solar power to the 80MW currently generated.
• Adding 450MW of wind power to the current 2650MW wind power capacity.
• Adding 317MW of natural gas power capacity to existing plants to help balance daily fluctuations in wind and solar generation.

David Eves, President and Chief Executive of Xcel’s Colorado subsidiary said: “This request will add significant amounts of wind and solar energy to the system at the right price, and it makes good sense for our customers and the environment.”

Xcel is also proposing to permanently close the Arapahoe coal-fired power plant in Denver by the end of 2013, and to operate the Cherokee plant in Denver as a gas-fired facility following its conversion from coal fuel by the end of 2017.