Minnesota Power celebrated the start of construction on the Boswell Solar project, an 85- megawatt solar energy facility that will bring more local renewable energy to northern Minnesota while building on the long-standing prominent role of the Boswell Energy Center site in Cohasset.
The solar array is part of Minnesota Power's EnergyForward strategy to add more carbon-free electricity to its system while making productive use of existing infrastructure and continuing to invest in communities that have helped power the region for generations. The Boswell Solar project, on about 500 acres of company- owned and leased land and consisting of more than 178,00 solar modules, is expected to be online in mid- 2027.
The project will use existing electric infrastructure at the Boswell Energy Center, adding new generation at a site that has long served homes, businesses and industries across northeastern Minnesota with safe, reliable power. Company leaders said that approach supports reliability of the system, limits the need for new infrastructure and keeps the benefits of the investment close to home.
"At ALLETE, we call our strategy "Sustainability in Action." For us, that means making real progress in ways that matter in people's everyday lives," said Bethany Owen, ALLETE chair, president and CEO. "The transition to cleaner energy gives us the tremendous opportunity to strengthen local economies, create jobs, and build a more resilient energy system - all while reducing emissions. But success is measured not only by what we build - but how we build it. It is measured by whether people and communities like Cohasset are better off because of it."
Boswell Solar also reflects Minnesota Power's continued investment in an existing energy hub and host community. The Boswell site has been part of the region's energy story for decades, and company leaders said the solar project shows the site will continue to play an important role as the energy system changes.
"Boswell has been the backbone of our energy system since our original groundbreaking in 1956 and first commercial operation in1958. Our teams and these assets have played a huge role in powering homes, schools, businesses and the region's mining industry.," said Josh Skelton, Minnesota Power chief operating officer. "And what today means to the next chapters is simple: Boswell will continue to play a critical role in northern Minnesota's energy grid. This site has a strong future because it already has so much of what makes an energy site valuable the location, the infrastructure, host community support, and the people and partnerships that bring our operations to life."
Minnesota Power says local generation matters as it works to diversify its energy supply and reduce emissions over time. Boswell Solar will generate electricity close to the customers it serves, adding another homegrown source of carbon-free energy in northern Minnesota.
The project also supports the state's carbon-free electricity standard. Nearly 60% of the electricity Minnesota Power delivers today is renewable. Boswell Solar will help the utility continue toward its goal of delivering more than 80% renewable energy by 2030 while working to meet Minnesota's requirement for carbon-free electricity by 2040.
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Chair Katie Sieben congratulated Minnesota Power, noting that such large projects take years of planning together with the commission, local communities and others.
"The groundbreaking of Boswell Solar is a chance to celebrate the collaboration and hard work of Minnesota Power and stakeholders in bringing reliable, affordable power, good-paying jobs, and community benefits to the region," she said.
Boswell Solar is part of a larger effort to add up to 300 megawatts of regional solar generation identified in Minnesota Power's Integrated Resource Plan approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. In addition to producing clean energy, the project is expected to support construction activity and local economic benefits. Minnesota Power's solar development plans include preferences for local labor, diverse suppliers and apprenticeships to help train the next generation of the region's workforce.
Kevin Pranis, marketing manager for LiUNA of Minnesota and North Dakota, said projects like Boswell Solar represent opportunities for the union's members.
"We applaud Minnesota Power for the reinvestments in our communities," he said. "We hope this is the first reinvestment of many."
For Cohasset and the surrounding area, the investment is also about continuity. Company leaders said host communities that have supported energy development over many years should continue to see investment as Minnesota Power's system evolves.
"Today is an exciting day, and it is also a hopeful one. It reminds us that the future is not something that simply happens to us. It is something we build together," Owen said.
Mayor of Cohasset Josh Casper said the community of Cohasset is grateful for Minnesota Power's continued investment in Bowell and the area.
"Boswell has always been more than a power plant to our community," he said. "It's been a neighbor, an employer and a partner. As Minnesota Power continues its transition to cleaner energy, we're proud to see that same commitment extend to the people and communities that have been part of its story for so many years."
Minnesota Power leaders also thanked employees, contractors, labor teams, regulators, local officials and community members for helping move Boswell Solar from planning to construction.
About Minnesota Power
Minnesota Power provides electric service within a 26,000-square-mile area in northeastern
Minnesota, supporting comfort, security and quality of life for 150,000 customers, 14 municipalities
and some of the largest industrial customers in the United States.
More information can be found at www.mnpower.com.
About ALLETE, Inc.
ALLETE, Inc. is an energy company headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota. In addition to its electric utilities, Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power of Wisconsin, ALLETE owns ALLETE Clean Energy, based in Duluth, Minnesota; BNI Energy in Bismarck, North Dakota; and New Energy Equity, headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland; and has an 8% equity interest in the American Transmission Co.
More information about ALLETE is available at www.allete.com. ALE-CORP
ALLETE calculates and reports carbon emissions based on the GHG Protocol. Details in ALLETE's Corporate Sustainability Report.
Aug 27, 2026
