For over 50 years, Minnesota has grappled with nuclear waste storage. Minnesota has two nuclear power generating facilities that have been in operation since the early 1970s: the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant (Unit 1, Unit 2) and the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant.
According to Minnesota Statute 116C.83 subdivision 3, the Public Utilities Commission must submit their decision on “an application for a certificate of need for additional dry cask storage” for legislative consideration. In 2023, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) granted approval for the Monticello facility to build space for approximately 36 canister vaults. However, Xcel Energy anticipates only needing 14 new canisters through 2040. In August 2025, Xcel Energy announced the PUC unanimously voted to approve their application for increased storage of spent fuel at the Prairie Island facility. The PUC submitted both legislative reports for the additional storage requests:
Check out the Minnesota Issues Guide on Nuclear Waste Storage in Minnesota, if you’re interested in learning more.