The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Aug. 14 approved a site permit for the Snowshoe Energy Storage Project, a 150-megawatt stand-alone battery storage facility proposed by Snowshoe BESS LLC.
This is the first stand-alone battery storage project permitted by the PUC.
Located in Olmsted County between Byron and Rochester, the facility will store excess electricity from the grid for up to four hours and discharge it during times of high demand.
The Snowshoe Energy Storage Project will help smooth fluctuations in energy supply and support the integration of more renewable energy into Minnesota’s power system, enhancing both grid reliability and sustainability, the PUC said.
The facility is expected to be in service by late 2027.
In response to stakeholder feedback the Commission added requirements to strengthen local safety and preparedness.
The modified plan requires the permittee to work with local governments and emergency responders on a detailed water main extension report, develop a plan to acquire specialized emergency equipment, and provide related training for first responders, all at the permittee’s expense.
The Snowshoe Energy Storage Project will connect to the adjacent Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency-Maple Leaf substation and use advanced battery, inverter, and control technologies to help maintain voltage and frequency on the transmission system.
By providing fast-response balancing services, the facility will help keep the grid stable during sudden shifts in generation or demand.
Space for future battery upgrades is included to maintain capacity over time.
The project’s interconnection request is in the MISO Definitive Planning Phase, with a Generation Interconnection Agreement expected in early 2026.
