Invenergy's $621 Million Wind Farm Approved in South Dakota

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has approved the South Deuel Wind Energy Center, a 260-megawatt wind farm developed by Invenergy, set to become one of the largest in the state. The project will consist of 68 turbines across 29,000 acres in Deuel County and is expected to power over 103,000 homes when operational by Q4 2026. With an estimated cost of $621 million, the project will generate $78 million in landowner payments and $38 million in property tax revenue over 30 years, while creating 243 construction jobs and eight permanent positions. The approval comes with over 50 conditions related to environmental protection and cooperation with local agricultural operations. South Dakota, known for its strong wind energy production, ranks 13th in the U.S. for installed wind capacity, with wind generating 55% of its electricity in 2023. This new project further cements the state's commitment to renewable energy as it continues to expand its wind energy infrastructure.