Coal-dependent US city becomes solar power benchmark

A city in the United States with a population of just over 5,000 is experiencing a revolution. With its economy almost entirely dependent on mined coal, it could now become a nationally prominent sustainability topic and a benchmark for other places.

city BeckerWins in Minnesota an array of photovoltaic solar panel farmsThe idea is for other municipalities to join a national project. to have Tax advantages for adopting renewable and alternative energy sources.

A newspaper article New York Times He revealed the current status of the project, which is seen as both controversial and promising in the region.

From coal to solar panels

Becker’s headquarters Sherburne County Generating Stationor Sherco, which is responsible for the state’s largest steel mill. It is one of seven Minnesota cities chosen for the project that will gradually transition the local economy from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Sherco is owned by Xcel itself, replacing coal units with solar panelsThe company wants to comply with existing climate laws under President Joe Biden, who wants to drastically reduce carbon emissions in the U.S. by the end of the decade.

HE Plans to close third and final unit of coal-fired power plant in Becker by 2030One of them has already been eliminated, the second will be closed within two years.

In addition to the panels, long-life battery systems that can store solar and wind energy as “backup” are also being tested in the region. They are capable of providing energy guarantee for up to 2,000 homes for five days.

But the transition is still viewed negatively by some parts of the city. The main argument is that It could harm the regional economy — Becker is heavily reliant on coal, and hundreds of jobs will be laid off at the plant at an accelerating pace.

Besides, Farmers are already shifting from growing food to renting space for panelsBecause the value provided is more profitable. Balancing the transition to solar without harming the economy is a challenge that needs to be addressed now.