Birch Coulee solar

AES’ Birch Coulee project is a planned solar facility in Renville County, Minnesota. We are committed to responsible renewable energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities.

Project overview

125 MWac solar

Enough clean energy to power nearly 26,000 Minnesota homes

Renville County, Minnesota

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

View map

Expected project timeline

Development – Siting – Permitting 2021-2026
Construction 2027-2028
Operations 2028

Economic and environmental benefits

We believe in being a good neighbor by ensuring responsible renewable energy development that benefits both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure.

~264,000 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 jobs expected to be created during peak construction

Clean energy benefits local communities

Long-term tax revenue to counties, towns and school districts
Job creation during construction and operations
Landowner income diversification, keeping land in the family
Local economic stimulus during construction
Affordable, reliable, locally produced clean energy
Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions
Social impact partnerships for community organizations and non-profits
Non-permanent development and low-impact construction that ensures land can be sensitively restored to pre-project conditions at the end of the project’s life

Best practices in responsible and sustainable development

At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we’ve been 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 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 Minnesota laws and regulations.

Partnering with communities for the future of energy

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.

Advancing youth entrepreneurship in Michigan

AES funded a Youth Entrepreneur Incubator for local schools to give students the opportunity to understand business and finance through the workings of their own businesses. Additionally AES helped fund a robotics club and an Underwater Remote Operated Vehicles Course for students.

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 worked with the US Department of Energy Solar Technology Office to create a dual-use solar project that also accommodates cattle grazing and crops. Dual use opportunities are important to AES as we look at how to evolve solar facility design to boost agricultural production opportunities.

Project updates

Community Open House on October 23, 2023 at Franklin Community Center from 5:30-7:30 PM
Community Open House on April 2, 2024 at Franklin Community Center from 5:30-7:30 PM