Wind Power Along 83

Travelers on U.S. Highway 83 north from Interstate 94 are seeing the progress being made in the state's wind energy industry. The Wilton Wind Energy Center, first visible ten miles or so out of Bismarck, recently completed an expansion project that doubled the number of turbines from 33 to 66. The total generating capacity is now rated at 99 megawatts, all of which has been purchased by Bismarck-based Basin Electric Cooperative from the owner of the project, Florida-based NextEra Energy Resources.

Approximately 75 miles further north, Basin Electric is constructing the North Dakota portion of its own Prairie Winds project. Upon completion, the project will consist of 77 turbines with a total generating capacity of 115.4 megawatts. The estimated cost is $240 million.

The Prairie Winds project stretches several miles from just north of Max to north of the former U.S. Air Force radar base, where it meets two demonstration turbines constructed by Verendrye Electric several years ago. Unlike the Wilton Wind Energy project, which was built entirely on the east side of Highway 83, Prairie Winds has turbines on both sides of the road.

Construction on Prairie Winds began in August, with the first tower erected on October 1. As of this week, it appears that only a dozen or so turbines are still under construction. The company expects the facility to be operational by the end of the year.

Basin Electric has announced a second Prairie Winds project to be built in central South Dakota. Plans for the South Dakota version call for 101 turbines with a total generating capacity of 151.5 megawatts. Construction is expected to begin in late 2010 or early 2011. The estimated cost is $350 million.