The Public Utilities Commission is approving a major new wind energy project in northeast South Dakota.
The South Deuel Wind Project is set to include up to 68 wind turbines generating up to 260 megawatts of electricity. That makes it one of the largest wind farms in the state, according to PUC data.
The $261 million, 29,000-acre project is being built by a company called Invenergy. It’s located east of Clear Lake, a few miles south of an even larger wind farm Invenergy completed in 2021.
More than 50 conditions were included with the commission’s order to grant a permit to construct, according to a statement from the PUC. Some of the specific conditions commissioners considered included impact to habitat of threatened species, noise levels and road conditions. The full application is available on the PUC's website.
“Considering all evidence in the record, South Deuel Wind Project has met the criteria in state law to receive a permit. I appreciate the additional conditions placed on this project to protect local landowners in the area,” commissioner Kristie Fiegen said.
The application said the project is expected to have an operational life span of 30 years. Over that time span, Invenergy projects it will bring more than $118 million in local tax revenue and landowner lease payments. Construction of the project is expected to create over 240 jobs.
"We are proud of our legacy in South Dakota and look forward to continuing our partnership with Deuel County to bring wind energy to the grid while further contributing to South Dakota’s social and economic development through the production of clean, homegrown energy in the state,” Director of Renewable Development Monica Monterossa said.
Construction is set to begin late this summer with a tentative competition date by the end of 2026, according to the application.