A solar energy array is in the works for a training facility of the Minnesota National Guard through a project with Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE Inc.

The 10-megawatt utility-scale solar energy array -- comprised of photovoltaic panels on racks -- at Camp Ripley would cover nearly 100 acres of the 53,000-acre facility.

"To provide cleaner energy forms is the mission, and both Minnesota Power and our National Guard are on the front lines," said ALLETE Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Al Hodnik. "This project helps meet our goal of achieving the state's solar mandate and it advances our company's EnergyForward goal of providing a balanced mix of one-third renewable, one-third coal and one-third natural gas energy sources reliably and affordably."

The planned array comes under a memorandum of understanding signed by the two organizations. In addition to installing the solar panels, Minnesota Power will identify methods to help Camp Ripley reduce its energy usage by 30 percent and install backup generation for energy security.

The solar farm and backup generation will allow Camp Ripley to use the energy produced by the project during periods when the electric grid is down. During non-emergency operations, the solar energy produced would flow into Minnesota Power's electric service territory, which encompasses 26,000 square miles.

The project is expected to cost about $25 million.