Over the next two years, Basin Electric will repower its cooperative-owned wind turbines in North and South Dakota in support of its all-of-the-above energy strategy. This includes the 80 turbines that are part of the PrairieWinds 1 and Minot Wind projects near Minot, North Dakota, and the 108-turbine Crow Lake Wind project near White Lake, South Dakota.
With the existing blades starting to reach the end of their useful life in 2030, it was determined that repowering would be the best option.
“Repowering wind turbines includes installation of new larger blades, a new hub gearbox, main shaft, a generator refurbishment as well as some upgrades to the electrical controls,” Doug Bradford, mechanical engineer III, said.
Upgrading the turbines with new technology and equipment will improve performance, allowing them to produce more electricity at a lower wind speed. The foundation and towers will remain in place.
Bradford said, “We received approval from the Board of Directors for the construction contracts in May. Depending on the environmental review, we plan to begin road work this fall or next spring for North Dakota, construction in June of 2026, and completion by the end of 2026. South Dakota follows a similar schedule where we'll start road work in 2026, begin construction in June of 2027, and completion by the end of 2027.”
Repowering the turbines will keep them running for another 20 years and produce low-cost, affordable electricity for Basin Electric’s membership.
