Renewable energy projects that won Xcel Energy grants

Twenty energy projects, mostly large solar power arrays, have been awarded $26.5 million in the latest round of grants from the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund. The money comes from Xcel ratepayers under a 1994 compromise allowing Xcel's nuclear waste to be stored in the state. Another $15.5 million in research-related grants also were approved, but are not listed. The grants were approved Thursday by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission based on recommendations from Xcel and an advisory panel.