Associated Press
ROSEMOUNT, Minn. -- Five companies are considering building a power plant in Rosemount that would be one of the state's largest, potentially producing as much electricity as the nuclear plants at Prairie Island or in Monticello.
The plant, which would likely be powered by coal or petroleum residue, could potentially alleviate as much as half of the power deficit expected in Minnesota by the end of the decade.
Although the companies' ideas vary, most are considering building a plant capable of powering 550,000 to 1.1 million homes near U.S. Highway 52 and Minnesota 55. just southeast of Flint Hills Resources, formerly known as the Koch refinery. The site, in the midst of Rosemount's industrial area, is far from most residential developments.
City Council members just heard of the companies' interest this week and have received no formal proposals. But they agreed to explore the idea for the 100- to 150-acre site while urging caution and thorough environmental review.
