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Eden Renewables pitches 15‑MW solar farm next to Brainerd Public Utilities
Summary
Eden Renewables told the Brainerd Public Utilities Commission on Feb. 24 it is proposing a 10 MW AC (15 MW DC) solar farm on about 60 acres southeast of Brainerd, sited adjacent to BPU distribution lines and a substation. The developer said the project would supply roughly 2,000 homes, include pollinator plantings and education programs, and use a 35‑year lease with a decommissioning bond.
Tom, a development manager with Eden Renewables, presented a proposal for a 10 megawatt AC (15 MW DC) ground‑mounted solar array located southeast of Brainerd that he said would serve about 2,000 homes and interconnect directly to Brainerd Public Utilities’ local distribution network.
"We're proposing to to bring the public utilities a 10 megawatts AC 15 megawatts DC solar project, which would provide about 2,000 homes worth of power," Tom said, describing a single‑axis tracker layout on roughly 60 acres leased from a local family. He said the developer plans a 35‑year lease and would post a decommissioning bond so the land can be returned to greenfield condition if the site is not repowered.
Commissioners asked how the project would be financed and whether it would affect existing power purchase agreements with American Electric Power. Tom said Eden serves as the developer, secures construction financing through partners and typically proposes a PPA under which the utility would purchase power once the project is operational. A utility staff member noted contract amendments with AEP may be needed but are practicable.
Project proponents emphasized local benefits: pollinator‑friendly vegetation, school outreach and scholarship programs, and construction and operations work for in‑state contractors. Tom said interconnection costs are usually borne by the developer during project build, though those costs can be reflected in long‑term power pricing and may be negotiated with the utility.
The commission took no action; staff said the finance committee will meet with Eden Renewables to negotiate commercial terms and that an item could appear on a future commission agenda after the committee completes its review.
Next steps: finance committee review with staff and Eden Renewables; potential formal proposal at the next commission meeting depending on committee availability.
