99MW wind farm dedicated in South Dakota
South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds joined local community leaders and energy industry organizations to dedicate a new 66-turbine wind farm near Groton yesterday.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative
- June 22, 2010
Originally published at www.brighterenergy.org
Reported by James Cartledge
The Day County Wind Energy Center has been developed by NextEra Energy Resources, the largest renewable energy producer in North America.
Built in five months and operational since April, the 99-megawatt facility is generating power for the Western Area Power Administration for the next three years, after which power will be provided to the Basin Electric Power Cooperative.
The wind arm is expected to produce enough power to supply 25,000 homes with renewable electricity.
Commenting on the "impressive" project, Governor Rounds said: "South Dakota has an abundance of wind, and we hope it will continue to be harnessed far and wide in the future to make clean energy, boost local economies, provide good jobs, and add to the already excellent quality of life enjoyed by South Dakota citizens."
NextEra
The Day County facility is the third wind project in South Dakota developed by Florida-based NextEra Energy.
The company also owns and operates the 40.5MW South Dakota Wind Energy Center in Hyde County and the 51MW Wessington Springs Wind Energy Center in Jerauld County.
Mike O'Sulllivan, senior VP of development for NextEra Energy, said the Day County project showed that this company was committed to expanding renewable energy projects in the state and across the US.
He said: "In addition to generating clean, emission-free energy, this project will have an impact on the local economy through the jobs created, taxes paid, lease payments to landowners, and goods and services sourced locally."
In total, NextEra Energy Resources currently operates more than 9,000 wind turbines in 17 states and Canada that are capable of generating enough power for more than 1.9 million average homes.
Headquarters
1717 East Interstate Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58503-0564 USA
Phone: 701.223.0441
Basin Electric Power Cooperative will provide cost-effective wholesale energy along with products and services that support and unite rural America.
