South Dakota Approves $750M Wind Farm, Its Largest Yet

South Dakota is about to supercharge its position as one of America's top wind energy producers with its biggest renewable project yet.

State regulators last week approved plans for a 333-megawatt wind farm spanning 110 square miles of private land north of Philip, about 85 miles east of Rapid City. Chicago-based energy company Invenergy will build up to 87 turbines capable of powering hundreds of thousands of homes.

The $750 million project brings major economic benefits to rural communities that host it. Over the next 30 years, landowners will receive $85 million in lease payments, while local governments can expect $50 million in property taxes and another $10 million in sales taxes.

Construction kicks off in June and will create 200 jobs before the facility reaches full operation in December 2027. Once running, it will provide 12 permanent positions.

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved the permit after a nine-month review. "When constructed, this wind facility will be the largest in the state, reinforcing our state's electricity generation capacity," Commissioner Chris Nelson said.

The Ripple Effect

South Dakota already ranks ninth nationally in wind energy production, with an impressive 58 percent of its electricity coming from wind turbines. Only Iowa and Kansas generate a higher percentage of their power from wind.

This latest project cements the state's leadership in renewable energy while proving that economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand. Rural landowners get stable income for decades, local governments gain tax revenue for schools and services, and hundreds of thousands of families get clean, affordable electricity.

The success also creates a blueprint other states can follow. When communities embrace renewable energy projects, everyone wins.

South Dakota's wind farms are turning the Great Plains' strongest natural resource into prosperity and cleaner air for generations to come.