A new chapter in Basin Electric's energy mix

Did you know?

• Solar energy is the most abundant resource on Earth. Every hour, the sun radiates 173,000 terawatts of energy onto the Earth – more than 10,000 times the world’s total energy use.
• The International Space Station runs on solar power. The station’s solar array wingspan (356 feet) is longer than the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus (262 feet).
• More solar energy reaches the Earth in one hour than the world uses all year.

As solar adoption increases across the country, Basin Electric is participating in the all-of-the-above energy landscape through its involvement in a significant solar initiative: The Wild Springs Solar Project (Wild Springs Solar).

One of Basin Electric’s recent power purchase agreements is Wild Springs Solar, located in Pennington County, South Dakota. This 128-megawatt (MW) project became operational in 2024, making it the largest solar project in South Dakota’s history.

Basin Electric has committed to purchasing 114 MW of the energy it produces. “At 114 MW, Wild Springs Solar was Basin Electric’s first significant solar power purchase and, at the time of its completion, one of the largest solar projects in the Southwest Power Pool,” Ben Hertz, Basin Electric manager of Power Supply Planning, said.

This agreement marks the first time in Basin Electric’s history that the cooperative has purchased large-scale solar generation to serve its members. This step demonstrates Basin Electric’s commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio. It’s also a win for the local community, as the project is located in the service area of West River Electric Association, a Class C member of Basin Electric based in Wall, South Dakota.

Wild Springs Solar represents more than just a new source of power—it’s a strategic step in Basin Electric’s ongoing effort to provide reliable, affordable electricity to its members. As part of an all-of-the-above energy approach, solar adds value by complementing the cooperative’s existing resources. With careful planning and a focus on meeting member needs, Basin Electric is building a power supply that’s ready for whatever comes next.

An all-of-the-above energy solution

An all-of-the-above energy solution is essential for ensuring a reliable, resilient, and affordable energy supply, and by combining renewables with dispatchable generation, such as natural gas and coal, Basin Electric is taking advantage of each source’s strengths to maintain energy security without sacrificing reliability.