This bill mandates the transfer of spent nuclear fuel from the Prairie Island nuclear generating plant to a newly authorized storage facility at the Monticello nuclear generating plant. It allows the public utility to withhold funds from the renewable development account to cover the transportation costs associated with this transfer. Additionally, the bill amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes, including provisions related to limitations on dry cask storage and the establishment of a renewable development account. Key amendments include the requirement for constructing the spent fuel storage facility and the stipulation regarding the withholding of funds for transportation costs. The bill also repeals certain sections of Minnesota Statutes related to renewable energy production incentives, streamlining the funding process for renewable development.

Furthermore, 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 for different facility types. The bill also allows subsequent owners of qualified facilities to continue receiving incentive payments if they meet eligibility criteria and details the application process for these incentives. The commissioner of commerce is responsible for determining eligibility and ensuring compliance, ultimately aiming to promote renewable energy generation through financial incentives while maintaining ownership and operational standards.

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