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January 17, 2008 – Vol. 12 No. 43 Dakota Wind Energy: South Dakota's First Utility Scale Community-Owned Wind Project. When fully built out to its 750 MW potential, the project will be one of the world’s largest. South Dakota has the wind potential to power 50 percent of the nation's electrical demands. And, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), South Dakota ranks 4th in the nation with the greatest wind potential. Compared to other states, however, South Dakota's current installed wind power capacity is very low. To be built in Roberts, Marshall, and Day counties the Dakota Wind Energy farm would be spread over 700 square miles of agricultural land. The project, when all phases are complete, could produce enough electricity to power more than 200,000 homes and displace almost 2,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. The Dakota Wind Energy, LLC was conceptualized by South Dakota landowner, Gerry Fisher. "As a South Dakota landowner, I wanted to institute a wind development program that provides my family with the best benefits," says Fisher. "After much research, I discovered that a community-wind development approach is a great option, offering landowners and their communities multiple ways to participate and own a significant share of a wind project's economic benefits. Landowners have the opportunity to become partners in the project, not simply 'lessees.' Everything about the project is openly communicated, so it is rewarding to see our neighbors work together and get involved."
National Wind, the project's manager, local landowners and community leaders have capitalized the company. "For community-wind projects, such as Dakota Wind Energy, size does matter. Utilities and institutional investors prefer large community-owned wind projects because they have the local support needed to move smoothly through permitting, site control, and power line siting," says Patrick Pelstring, co-chair of National Wind. Based on development, transmission and construction schedules, the project is expected to develop in three or four phases over the next five years. Dakota Wind Energy, LLC is a community-owned company located in Robert, Marshall and Day Counties, South Dakota. The company's financial commitment is to assure a significant portion of the financial benefits are shared with its local stockholders, area land owners and the surrounding community. National Wind, LLC, is the leader in developing utility scale (50 megawatts or more) community wind energy projects. (1/17/08)
Links: Dakota Wind Energy National Wind Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: No
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