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Montana-Dakota Utilities acquires North Dakota’s Thunder Spirit Wind

By Michelle Froese | January 5, 2016

wind

The 107.5-MW Thunder Spirit Wind project is comprised of 43 turbines that can provide power to about 35,000 homes.

Montana-Dakota Utilities, a division of MDU Resources Group, has officially completed the purchase of Thunder Spirit Wind from ALLETE Clean Energy.

ALLETE recently completed construction on the 107.5-MW wind project, which is located near Hettinger, North Dakota. All 43 turbines are now in commercial operation, and the $220 million (approximately) wind farm can serve about 35,000 homes.

Montana-Dakota was able to take advantage of the wind farm’s location by connecting to its transmission system in an area where the company already provides electric service.

“It is so rewarding to see a project of this magnitude come together to provide our customers with a low-cost source of power,” said Nicole Kivisto, President and CEO of Montana-Dakota. “We could not have finished this project in a timely manner without the dedicated work of our employees, ALLETE Clean Energy’s construction management, and the construction provided by Wanzek Construction and Nordex. It was a great partnership.”

Montana-Dakota will have employees onsite to manage the site and grounds maintenance. Turbine manufacturer, Nordex, will also have staff onsite to operate and maintain the towers.

“I’m so impressed and grateful for the outstanding cooperation and partnership with MDU,” ALLETE Clean Energy President Eric Norberg said. “Thunder Spirit is a tremendous carbon-free energy resource in an energy-rich state and we are pleased to play a role in MDU’s delivery of renewable energy to its utility customers.”

Montana-Dakota Utilities
www.montana-dakota.com


Filed Under: News, Projects
Tagged With: Allete, dakota, farm, montana, thunder spirit, utilities, wind
 

About The Author

Michelle Froese

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