National Grid Renewables has started operations at its Wild Springs Solar Project, a 128 MW facility in Pennington County, South Dakota.
Solar Project to Deliver $29.5M Economic Impact Over 20 Years
Wild Springs recently celebrated its groundbreaking with a community event themed “Solar Does Good,” showcasing the project’s many benefits for local and state communities. Over its first 20 years of operation, the project is projected to generate roughly $29.5 million (EUR 27.6 million) in direct economic impact, which includes $12 million in new tax revenue.
In a unique community initiative, National Grid Renewables will also donate $500,000 to the local New Underwood school district over the project’s first 20 years of operation.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Wild Springs to the New Underwood Community. National Grid Renewables has been a fantastic neighbor since the inception of the Wild Springs Solar Project. The anticipated tax revenue, along with their generous charitable contribution to the school district, is a much-appreciated bonus,” said Jack Trullinger, Mayor of New Underwood.
Solar Project to Power 37,000 Homes Annually
Image: Collected
The solar project will generate enough clean energy to power an estimated 37,000 homes each year, or 740,000 homes over its first 20 years of operation.
Beyond the economic benefits of the solar project, Wild Springs is also expected to mitigate approximately 190,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This is equivalent to taking about 42,000 cars off the road each year.
“We are enthusiastic about the positive impact this project will have on both local and state residents through increased tax revenue, charitable contributions, and, most importantly, providing clean energy,” said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables.
National Grid Secures 114 MW PPA for Wild Springs
National Grid Renewables secured a 114 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Basin Electric Power Cooperative for Wild Springs.
“Basin Electric has been considering solar generation for many years, and we are excited to incorporate solar into our all-encompassing generation portfolio. This portfolio includes dispatchable resources like coal and natural gas, as well as non-dispatchable resources like wind and now solar. This diversity enables these resources to work together, providing maximum reliability at the lowest possible cost for our members,” said Chris Baumgartner, Basin Electric Senior VP of Member and External Relations.
National Grid Renewables’ Clean Energy Commitment
National Grid Renewables develops, owns, and operates extensive renewable energy assets across the United States, specializing in solar, wind, and energy storage solutions. Founded by farmers and dedicated to community impact, the company revitalizes local economies and promotes a sustainable, clean energy future. It aligns with National Grid’s commitment to fostering a clean, equitable, and affordable energy landscape for everyone.
Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables, remarked, “The completion of Wild Springs marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering clean, sustainable energy solutions for South Dakota.”