Xcel Energy announced it would close its final two coal plants in Minnesota by 2030, a decade ahead of schedule, pending approval by Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. To replace the coal and provide low-cost, reliable service, their plan outlines 30 percent renewable generation for upper Midwest customers by 2022, fueled by 1.85 GW of new wind capacity, and 50 percent by 2030, fueled by 3 GW of new solar capacity. They would continue use of their nuclear power plant in Minnesota until 2040 and still plan to build a natural gas facility. Xcel would reduce emissions 80 percent by 2030 and by 2050, deliver 100 percent carbon-neutral electricity to its customers across the US. To address lost jobs, Xcel is working with affected communities to produce new jobs through renewable energy projects. Xcel, WPR