Pioneering Renewable Energy in Minnesota’s Lake Country

In 2021, Otter Tail Power powered down its 100-year-old Hoot Lake coal-fired power plant for the last time. Planned in its place was the energy utility’s first utility-scale investment in solar generation — a 49 megawatt solar photovoltaic facility generating enough power for 9,000 homes. We were brought onto the project to help with the transition, providing initial site and design development, community engagement and environmental support.

Hoot Lake Solar went online in August 2023 and is making progress toward Otter Tail Power’s goal of owning or contracting 55% of its energy generation from renewable sources by 2030. 

Supporting Initial Engineering and Project Design 

We were asked to support initial project and site development by developing technical specifications and completing a 30% conceptual design for Hoot Lake Solar — Otter Tail Power’s first foray into utility-scale solar power. Otter Tail Power then used those plans to assess and select engineering, procurement and construction contractors. 

The site already had robust transmission lines and substations in place through connections with the previous coal-fired power plant. Our team supported Otter Tail Power in leveraging that system to develop an interconnection application with MISO, allowing power generated at the site to be reliably distributed to the regional grid when needed.  

Award-Winning Environmental Protection

As testament to Otter Tail Power’s community commitment, Hoot Lake Solar was carefully planned to minimize impacts to the surrounding environment. The solar array follows the natural undulation of the hilly site, maintains setbacks to protect wetlands and leverages drainage to minimize effects on nearby water bodies.

Project development also included planting 45 native species across 300 acres around the site to support pollinators and wildlife. The Minnesota Erosion Control Association awarded Hoot Lake Solar its Environmental Excellence Award in 2023.

We led the environmental review process, collecting land use, habitat and wetland information that fostered efficient development and submittal of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet, required by the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act. We presented the review to the city and supported the public comment period to successfully advance the project through the local permitting process.

Honoring the Past, Informing a Renewable Future

Saying goodbye to the Hoot Lake Plant, a vital member of the community for more than 100 years, was a notable event. Our strategic communications team led planning for a retirement party, which included about 90 current and former employees, local elected officials and other longtime partners. Videos and speakers highlighted the important role the plant played in the community. 

Our team supported public engagement and crafted a messaging matrix to help residents and stakeholders understand the planned solar project’s benefits, including job opportunities, clean energy and tax breaks. We regularly helped facilitate public meetings with the community, keeping them informed of progress. When the project was completed, we assisted with planning and day-of support for the community’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Because Fergus Falls is home to Otter Tail Power’s headquarters, our client and the community had a huge investment in the project outcome. Our guidance in regular public outreach helped address concerns, maintain public support and ultimately keep the project on track. 

Now online, Hoot Lake Solar is providing low-cost, renewable energy to Otter Tail Power’s customers in the community and beyond.