Longspur Wind Project Gets Green Light in North Dakota
The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) has unanimously approved the Longspur Wind project in Morton County, clearing the way for construction of a 202.5-megawatt wind farm developed by Minnesota Power.
The project, located near Glen Ullin, will include up to 45 turbines rated at 4.5 MW each. The turbines are expected to reach about 638 feet in height, making them among the largest wind turbines in North Dakota.
PSC President Randy Christmann supported the project but raised concerns about the size of the turbines, the pressure to complete large energy projects quickly and the submission of substantial project documents shortly before the public hearing.
The project carries an estimated $780 million price tag and will include a roughly 2.5-mile transmission line connecting the wind farm to an existing substation in Mercer County. The transmission connection is estimated to cost $10.9 million.
Minnesota Power said construction is expected to begin within the next several weeks and create more than 300 construction jobs. The company expects the facility to be operational by the end of 2027, with its electricity delivered to Minnesota.
Source: news.prairiepublic.org
