Minneapolis (Dec. 13, 2021) –Xcel Energy announced plans today to recognize Ben Fowke, executive chairman at Xcel Energy, by renaming the Grand Meadow wind farm in southern Minnesota the Ben Fowke Wind Energy Center. Fowke, who retires at the end of the year, was instrumental in driving the nation’s clean energy transition and launched the largest multistate wind investment in the country.
“Ben Fowke’s leadership positioned Xcel Energy to be the nation’s leading clean energy company, and we wanted to honor his significant contributions in a lasting way,” said Bob Frenzel, Xcel Energy president and chief executive officer. “Grand Meadow was the first company-owned wind farm in Minnesota, and it symbolizes Xcel Energy’s groundbreaking leadership in the clean energy during Ben’s decade as our CEO.”
“I’m both honored and humbled to have this wind farm named after me as this wind energy expansion was a true team effort,” said Fowke. “Our employees embraced our clean energy vision and used their talent and skills to make it a reality. I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Xcel Energy became one of the first energy providers in the United States to reach 10,000 megawatts of wind energy capacity online in 2021, with 14 new company-owned wind projects added in the Upper Midwest, Colorado, Texas and New Mexico from 2017 through 2021.
Grand Meadow, a 100-megawatt wind farm, went into service in 2008 and is getting new life with upgraded technology. Repowering this project increases renewable energy on Xcel Energy’s system, keeps customer bills low and will contribute to the region’s economic vitality for years to come. The repowering will extend the life of the wind farm to 2043.
Fowke served as chief executive officer for a decade – from 2011 to 2021. Under his leadership, the company reduced carbon emissions 51% and was the first to announce a vision to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. He initiated the company’s “Steel for Fuel” growth strategy that provides economic and environmental benefits for customers by adding new renewable energy resources—the steel—at a savings, where the capital costs of the projects are more than offset by the savings from renewable tax credits and avoided fuel costs. Since 2017, wind energy has produced nearly $1.8 billion in savings for customers.
Fowke’s last day at Xcel Energy will be December 31, 2021.
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About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.