| Posted in: News Releases

BROOKINGS, South Dakota – MRES held a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 6 to mark the start of construction on the Brookings Solar Project, a new renewable energy installation located just outside of Brookings, South Dakota. The event took place at the project site and welcomed approximately 50 attendees, including representatives from MRES, Brookings Municipal Utilities (BMU), and local and state government officials.

Among the featured speakers were Matt Schull, president and CEO of MRES; Steve Meyer, general manager of Brookings Municipal Utilities (BMU) and first vice chair of the MRES Board; Nick Wendell, deputy mayor of Brookings; and Doug Carruthers, vice president of the BMU Board. Each shared their vision for the Brookings Solar Project’s impact on the local community and its role in advancing renewable energy options for MRES member utilities.

The project represents a 5-megawatt (MW) solar facility that will generate enough energy to power approximately 1,100 homes annually. It is being financed through the Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA), which finances the construction and acquisition of the generation and transmission facilities MRES uses to serve its 61 municipal member utilities.

MRES President and CEO Matt Schull speaks during the Brookings Solar Project's groundbreaking ceremony.

“The Brookings Solar Project is a testament to our commitment to a sustainable future for our municipal utilities and their communities,” said Schull. “This project is a vital investment in clean energy and strengthens our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint while supporting the economic growth of the communities we serve.”

The event concluded with a traditional shovel ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of construction on the solar array. Once completed, the Brookings Solar Project will provide clean, renewable power for MRES member communities, supporting local energy needs and advancing the organization’s all-of-the-above power supply strategy.

For more information, please contact MRES Vice President of Member Services and Communications Tim Blodgett at 605-338-4042 or info@mrenergy.com.