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Dedication Ceremonies Held for State's Largest Wind Farm

October 7, 2003

One hundred and three days following groundbreaking ceremonies, South Dakota's largest wind farm was officially placed in operation Monday, Oct. 6.

More than 300 Hyde County residents gathered with city, county and state officials and representatives from Basin Electric Power Cooperative 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. It was constructed, and is owned and operated by FPL Energy, Juno Beach, Fla.

Governor Mike Rounds said developing wind energy is the right thing to do. "The wind farm here was a shared dream less than three months ago. Now it's a reality," he said. "We are taming the wind so that it produces electricity and benefits for all of us here, and many, many South Dakotans."

Jeff Nelson, general manager of East River Electric Power Cooperative, Madison, 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 a power supply for electric cooperatives. The second part is the ethanol plants that have been built in the state.

"Today we are launching the third wave of renewable energy projects (wind) in the state," he said. "East River and it's member systems are proud to be a part of this project."

The FPL Energy South Dakota Wind Energy Center was completed October 1, and 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 Power Cooperative, Bismarck, N.D., will purchase the facility's entire output. Another 40-megawatt wind farm near Edgeley, N.D., has also been constructed by FPL Energy. Basin Electric will also purchase its output.

Ron Harper, Basin Electric's 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.

"Basin Electric is an engine for rural America...we've done that by developing the electric power supply structure that has meant so much to our region. There are many uncertainties and challenges that we will have to work through, but working together we can do it because the cooperative model works," Harper said. "Many of you probably get your electricity from Dakota Energy Cooperative that serves this area. If so, you're witnessing the addition of another generating resource being developed right here in your own backyard. Electric cooperative consumers served by Basin Electric's member systems can be proud of the investment that's been made in South Dakota to ensure adequate power supply now and in the future."

Michael O'Sullivan, FPL Senior Vice President - Development, said FPL Energy is delighted to be able to add this Dakotas project to the largest wind energy portfolio in the country. "This is truly history happening right in front of our eyes, and it really is exciting to see. When we were here in June for the groundbreaking we had a different vista than we have today," he said. "It's hard to predict what will happen with wind power in the next 25 years. We at FPL Energy see the future for wind as very bright, indeed."

Commenting on a question that he frequently gets: "When will you build more wind farms in South Dakota?", O'Sullivan said four things have to be in place to build more wind farms: capital to build a project, a utility like Basin Electric to purchase the output, federal production tax credits and transmission access.

At a luncheon at the Highmore Community Center following the ceremony, South Dakota U.S. Senator Tim Johnson said that in creating the South Dakota Wind Center, the state takes a critically important step forward toward expanding the promise of wind energy to provide power for the nation. "South Dakota has the potential to be a leading site for the development of wind energy," he said. "Wind power diversifies our fuel mix."

U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle said wind power is important for the environmental future, the energy future and the economic future. "Wind energy has the potential to fuel America's energy needs and become a source of American strengthen and independence," he said. "With wind power, no foreign country, no international cartel can turn off the spigot. Once harnessed, we could supply two-thirds of the entire country with energy needs."

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."

This story first appeared in the Miller Press, October 7, 2003. © 2003 Miller Press. All Rights Reserved.