Project Overview

Dakota Wind Energy, LLC was formed to develop a series of wind energy projects based upon the concept of local, shared ownership. Nine South Dakota landowners have partnered with National Renewable Solutions (NRS) to form and capitalize Dakota Wind Energy, LLC. Dakota Wind Energy anticipates on developing several wind parks over the next three to five years.

History:

Corporate style wind developers do not offer ownership or partnership in a wind development company. They simply offer land leases or royalty payments and open communication is not important. They often approach landowners one by one, as opposed to presenting the project to the community as a long-term plan.

Gerry Fisher wanted a different alternative for his family's land in Day and Roberts counties, South Dakota. An alternative that would not only benefit his family, but that of neighboring families in northeast South Dakota. Fisher researched many alternatives including NRS's approach to community wind development. He decided NRS's approach was the best option for the landowners and the community to participate and share in the economic benefits of wind energy.

At Fisher's request, National Renewable Solutions met with several key landowners to determine if there was strong local support for a project such as this. After determining the support does exist, NRS and Fisher formed a development company called Dakota Wind Energy, LLC, a South Dakota Limited Liability Company. The company will serve as the platform to development a series of wind farms in the northeastern corner of South Dakota. Feasibility studies indicate that this region has some of the greatest wind energy resoureces in the country.

The Location:

Dakota Wind Energy is located in rural northeast South Dakota. The project area consists of agricultural land in Roberts, Day, and Marshall counties.

The project areas are categorized as mostly pasture land and cropland. Pasture land and cropland are generally compatible with wind farm development. The land is substantially owned by local farmers, many of whom are supportive of the project. Currently, we have three general study areas, with the anticipation of having three separate wind parks located in Day, Marshall, and Roberts counties. These study areas cover approximately 225,000 acres of agricultural land or over 700 square miles.

The Size:

-Potential output capacity in excess of 750-800 megawatts (megawatts)
-Provides enough energy to generate electricity to 220,000 homes annually
-Displaces almost 2,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually

The Ownership Structure:

Local participation and ownership are the central theme to Dakota Wind Energy, LLC. Local ownership and development of the project requires a cooperative approach of a large contingent of area agricultural producers. One of the projects' goals is to provide landowners an opportunity to participate in a wind project that offers long-term benefits for the community. By its participatory nature, Dakota Wind Energy draws the local community together.

The Commercial Operation Date:

Dakota Wind Energy will work with several prospective utilities to buy energy from the project and with institutional investors/buyers to help finance the project. Based on development, transmission and construction schedules, the project is expected to develop in three or four phases over the next five years.