MDU Resources Group says that its utility division Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. has plans to develop a 19.5 megawatt wind generation facility in southwest North Dakota. The wind project will be located on leased land approximately five miles west of Rhame, N.D.

Montana-Dakota also announced plans to expand its Diamond Willow wind facility by an additional 10.5 MW. Diamond Willow, which went online in late 2007, is located near Baker, Mont. The expansion project will include seven additional wind turbines on existing leased land, and increase the capability of the site to 30 MW.

Both projects are pending regulatory approval.

“We are excited about expanding our wind generation portfolio, and are very pleased to find a location in southwest North Dakota for a site,” said Dave Goodin, president and chief executive officer of Montana-Dakota Utilities. “This further diversifies our electric generation as we build out to meet our customer need.”

The North Dakota site will feature 13 turbines and is located close to a Montana-Dakota transmission line for interconnection. The additional generation from both projects will provide the needs of about 10,000 average homes of Montana-Dakota customers in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Both projects are scheduled to be commercial in late 2009. When finished, Montana-Dakota will have nearly $125 million invested in wind generation and other renewable projects to serve its electric customers in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Tags: MDU Resources Group