In early 2024, the Smartland Energy team conducted an in-depth evaluation of the Brainerd Hydroelectric Power Plant in Brainerd, Minnesota.
The goal: to explore the feasibility of acquiring and modernizing the century-old facility to increase its capacity and supply clean energy directly to behind-the-meter customers.
Over several months, our team conducted extensive technical assessments, regulatory reviews under the existing FERC license (P-2533), and financial modeling. While the plant showed potential for modernization and expansion, our analysis ultimately determined that the investment did not meet Smartland's strategic and operational criteria at this time. Smartland declined to proceed.
For procurement, finance, or lender teams evaluating Smartland on a different opportunity, the Brainerd evaluation is a useful artifact. We engaged with a real asset, completed real diligence, and walked when the math did not support the investment. The same discipline runs through every offtake we structure. See full project page →