MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Xcel Energy has approval from Minnesota regulators to build four wind farms in the Upper Midwest.

Xcel says the projects will boost its wind power capacity in the region by 42 percent. Approval from the Public Utilities Commission Thursday clears the way for Minneapolis-based Xcel and two energy development companies to work on securing federal tax credits.

Xcel will own the Pleasant Valley wind farm near Austin and the Border Winds Project in Rolette County, N.D. Both are being built by RES America Developments Inc. Geronimo Energy, of Edina, will develop the Courtenay Wind Farm near Jamestown, N.D., and the Odell Wind Farm near Windom and the power will be sold to Xcel under a long term contract.

Approval from North Dakota utility regulators is pending.

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