October 31, 2003—South Dakota’s largest wind farm was officially placed in operation on Oct. 6.
More than 300 Hyde County residents gathered with city, county and state officials and representatives from Basin Electric and FPL Energy to officially start operation of the South Dakota Wind Energy Center during dedication ceremonies. The wind farm is located 10 miles south of Highmore, SD It was constructed, and is owned and operated by FPL Energy, Juno Beach, FL.
Jeff Nelson, general manager of East River Electric Power Cooperative, Madison, SD, told those at the dedication ceremonies that the Highmore wind farm is the third “wave” of renewable energy projects being developed in the state. The first were the hydroelectric facilities that were built to tame the Missouri River and provide power supply for electric cooperatives. The second part is the ethanol plants that have been built in the state.
The South Dakota Wind Energy Center has a generating capacity of 40 megawatts. (One megawatt of generating capacity meets the energy needs of about 250 typical South Dakota residences.) Basin Electric will purchase the facility’s entire output. Another 40-megawatt wind farm near Edgeley, ND, has also been constructed by FPL Energy. Basin Electric will also purchase its output.
Ron Harper, Basin Electric CEO and general manager, said Basin Electric is at the forefront of developing wind in the Dakotas. With the completion of the Highmore project and the wind farm near Edgeley, Harper said Basin Electric will have access to more than 85 megawatts of wind generating capacity.
Daschle said the Highmore wind project will create jobs for South Dakota and bring much needed revenue to the rural communities in the area. “This is a step towards a better future for South Dakota and the entire country.”
