North Dakota – the top state for wind power according to the American Wind Energy Association – is far behind less windy states in utilizing its clean, powerful natural resource. But that gap will soon narrow.

A $250 million wind farm is planned for Langdon in the northeast corner of the state. The 106 wind turbines will start spinning later this year or early next year, pumping out 159 MW of electricity – enough to power about 48,000 homes. The Langdon Wind Project is a partnership between Minnkota Power Cooperative of Grand Forks, Otter Tail Power of Minnesota, and FPL Energy of Florida, the world’s largest wind developer. From the Fargo Forum:

Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker was on hand for the announcement, which he applauded as a big step in North Dakotas development of renewable energy.

We understand this is not going to replace everything, Walaker said, but added that it will help reduce the nations dependency on foreign oil. I am so happy that this has gone forward.

The project will produce 10 permanent full time jobs, 50 construction jobs, $1 million in yearly sales tax revenues, a half million in yearly property tax revenues, and a half million in yearly lease payments and royalties to landowners, according to FPL. A 35-mile transmission line and substation will also be upgraded.

American Wind Energy Association
Fargo Forum
U.S. Department of Energy