This bill mandates the transfer of spent nuclear fuel from the Prairie Island nuclear generating plant to a new storage facility at the Monticello nuclear generating plant. It authorizes the construction of this additional storage and allows the public utility to withhold funds from the renewable development account to cover the transportation costs of the spent fuel. Key amendments include the requirement for the construction of the spent fuel storage facility and the stipulation that the public utility must withhold necessary funds for transportation. The bill also repeals certain sections of Minnesota Statutes related to renewable energy production incentives, streamlining the funding process for renewable development while addressing the management of spent nuclear fuel in Minnesota.

Additionally, the bill outlines eligibility criteria and payment structures for incentive payments related to renewable energy facilities, specifically targeting qualified on-farm biogas recovery facilities, hydropower facilities, and wind energy conversion facilities. It defines a "qualified on-farm biogas recovery facility" and establishes payment rates based on electricity generation, with varying eligibility windows and deadlines for operational status. The bill allows subsequent owners of qualified facilities to continue receiving incentive payments if they meet the criteria and includes provisions for regaining eligibility after ownership changes. The commissioner of commerce will oversee the application process, ensuring compliance with requirements and timely responses to applications, ultimately promoting renewable energy generation through financial incentives.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116C.771, 116C.777, 116C.779