PSC Approves Siting Permit for Emmons-Logan Wind Project and Associated Transmission Line

The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a siting permit for the Emmons-Logan Wind Energy Center and an associated transmission line.

The permit approved is for Emmons-Logan Wind, LLC (a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources), to construct and operate the Emmons-Logan Wind Energy Center and an associated transmission line. The wind farm will have a capacity of approximately 298.1 MW and will consist of up to 123 wind turbine generators and associated facilities. Associated facilities include access roads, underground electrical collection systems, collection substations, an operations and maintenance building, and meteorological evaluation towers.

The project will also include a 6.85-mile long, 230 kV transmission line in Emmons County. The line would connect the wind project to the existing 230 kV Heskett-Wishek transmission line.

The project will incorporate an Aircraft Detection Lighting System in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration requirements and North Dakota laws. This system will reduce the visual impact of blinking lights on wind turbines. The lighting system detects when aircrafts are in the area and turns on only when needed. When an aircraft is not detected, the lights are not on. The company will also be required to file a decommissioning plan, including financial assurances.

The project area would encompass approximately 28,097 acres located five miles northeast of Linton (maps attached). Total cost of the wind project is estimated at $415 million and total cost of the transmission line is estimated at $20 million. Emmons-Logan Wind has entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement with Great River Energy for the full output of energy produced by the project.

North Dakota currently has approximately 3,152 MW of wind capacity in service. The Commission currently has several new proposed wind projects that have been submitted for permits. These projects include the Aurora Wind Project in Williams County (300 MW), the Burke Wind Project in Burke County (200 MW), and the Ruso Wind Project in Ward and McLean Counties (205 MW).