Community developer Prevailing Winds is proposing to build a 201MW wind farm in South Dakota.
The company was formed by the same group of 160 local investors that developed and sold the operational 80MW Beethoven wind farm, now owned by NorthWestern Energy.
The applicant plans to build up to 100 turbines over a 36,000-acre site near Avon, in Bon Homme and Charles Mix counties. A 230kV transmission line crosses the project area.
Minnesota-headquartered Mnioka Construction has been hired as the project developer.
Prevailing Winds would generate up to 860,000 MWh/year based on a layout using GE 2.3MW-116 turbines. Other turbines and models are also under consideration, the proponent told the state Public Utilities Commission.
The current estimated capital cost of the project is about $307m.
The proponent aims to qualify for full federal production tax credits, which will phase down from next year.
“It is essential the project move forward this year to deliver the lowest cost energy possible and remain competitive with wind projects in neighboring states,” said Prevailing Winds.
“If the project does not qualify for the full value PTC this year, it will be at a significant competitive disadvantage on energy prices for several years.”
The commission is expected to issue a ruling by the end of the year and the applicant expects to start operations as early as December 2017.
Colorado-based Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company prepared the ‘wind energy facility permit’ application.
Image: sxc
