I bet harwood, the state of north dakota, or fargo wont make this mandatory because someone probably got a sweet financial deal.
The power will still go to Minnesota. There is no way to differentiate a coal fired electron from a "green" one once it's on the grid. Minnesota will "feel" good because they think all of the power they receive is from "green" sources but Great river and Otter tail will continue to buy our "dirty" energy because there is no alternative.In general, this makes a lot of sense. In this situation, there is a lot of excess power available for the data center because on Minnesota's 2040 carbon free mandate. A huge amount of power that used to go across the border will stay in ND instead to supply the data centers and keep our plants operating.
Yes, they will still have to buy "dirty" electrons from the open market when their green fantasies don't work out. However, 2 major Minnesota electric companies have power purchase agreements with ND plants that are expiring soon and will not be renewed. That leaves the ND plants free to sell that capacity, no longer committed to Minnesota, to whoever they wish. This includes data centers or putting it on the open market when prices are high.The power will still go to Minnesota. There is no way to differentiate a coal fired electron from a "green" one once it's on the grid. Minnesota will "feel" good because they think all of the power they receive is from "green" sources but Great river and Otter tail will continue to buy our "dirty" energy because there is no alternative.