South Dakota’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) recently approved the development of a 260-megawatt wind farm in Deuel County, making it one of the largest in the state known for its wind-friendly environment. Invenergy, the developer behind the project, is set to construct the South Deuel Wind Energy Center on a 29,000-acre site in the state’s northeast. Upon completion in Q4 of 2026, the wind farm will have the capacity to power over 103,000 households in the US.
This new wind farm follows the success of the 109-turbine Deuel Harvest Wind Farm, which Invenergy completed in 2021 and subsequently sold to Southern Power, based in Atlanta. The South Dakota wind farm is projected to inject $78 million into landowner payments over the next three decades, with an additional $38 million in property tax revenue for local governments. The construction phase is expected to create 243 jobs, with eight permanent operational roles once the wind farm is operational.
South Dakota has emerged as one of the leading states for wind energy generation in the US. In 2023, wind power accounted for 55% of the state’s total electricity generation, surpassing all other states except Iowa. Wind energy also outperformed hydropower for the first time in 2021 and generated nearly three times as much electricity in South Dakota in 2023. Overall, renewables contributed to 77% of the state’s total in-state electricity net generation in the same year, including small-scale solar installations.
To enhance resiliency and reduce the risk of power outages, homeowners are encouraged to consider installing solar panels with battery storage systems. EnergySage, a trusted platform that connects consumers with vetted solar installers offering competitive pricing, can assist in finding the right solution for your home. By going solar through EnergySage, homeowners can save 20-30% compared to going through the process alone. The platform provides access to personalized solar quotes and unbiased Energy Advisers to guide homeowners through every step of the solar installation process.
By embracing renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, states like South Dakota are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also creating economic opportunities and building a more resilient energy infrastructure for the future.
