N Dakota nods to 200-MW wind project by NextEra

North Dakota utility regulators have granted a siting permit to a 200-MW wind project proposed by a unit of NextEra Energy Resources LLC.

The approval for the Northern Divide Wind Project and related transmission infrastructure was given by the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) on Wednesday.

Up to 74 turbines will be installed in North Dakota’s Burke County as part of the wind project, which originally envisaged the use of 78 machines totalling 300 MW. According to official documents, the developer has agreed to relocate 44 of the machines to areas with less impact to wetlands and wildlife following recommendations from wildlife agencies. Additionally, it has committed to addressing wildlife and environmental concerns by taking precautionary and mitigation measures for both the wind and transmission schemes.

Construction of the USD-300-million (EUR 265.3m) wind project is expected to take months. The new 41-mile 345-kV transmission line will connect the power plant to an existing substation in Mountrail County. Its installation is estimated to cost around USD 30 million.

NextEra was last year given the cold shoulder for another wind project in North Dakota, which called for the erection of 76 turbines north of Powers Lake in North Burke County. The permit for it was denied due to opposition from state and federal wildlife agencies over concerns related to migratory birds.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.884)

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