North Dakota Public Service Commission Approves $200 Million Wind Farm Upgrade South of Minot
The North Dakota Public Service Commission has unanimously approved Basin Electric's plans for a significant upgrade to its Prairie Winds ND 1 project, a wind farm located south of Minot. The upgrade, estimated to cost $200 million, involves enhancing 50 of the existing 77 turbines. Currently, each turbine generates 1.5 megawatts of electricity. Basin Electric initially proposed upgrading all turbines to 1.6 megawatts and replacing their blades with longer 45-meter blades, along with new hubs, main shafts, and gearboxes, while retaining the original towers and foundations. However, after discussions with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it was determined that 26 turbines were not eligible for height increases. Consequently, Basin Electric agreed not to install longer blades on these specific turbines. The approved plan will increase the wind farm's total nameplate generation from 115.5 megawatts to 120.5 megawatts.