A new era for solar energy in South Dakota has begun with the commencement of commercial operations at the Wild Springs Solar Project. Developed, owned, and operated by National Grid Renewables, the 128-megawatt (MW) facility in Pennington County stands as the largest solar project in the state, effectively doubling South Dakota’s solar power capacity upon its launch in March 2024.
The project is set to deliver a significant, long-term economic boost to the region. Over the first 20 years of its 35-year lifespan, Wild Springs is projected to generate a direct economic impact of $29.5 million. This includes an estimated $12 million in new tax revenue for Pennington County and a dedicated charitable contribution of over $500,000 to the New Underwood school district.
Local leadership has welcomed the project’s contributions. “We’re thrilled to welcome Wild Springs to the New Underwood Community,” said Jack Trullinger, Mayor of New Underwood. “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.”
On the environmental front, the Wild Springs project will generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 37,000 homes annually. Its operation is expected to mitigate around 190,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, which is comparable to removing 42,000 cars from the road.
A 114 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) has been secured with Basin Electric Power Cooperative, integrating the facility’s output into a broader energy mix. Chris Baumgartner, Basin Electric’s Senior Vice President of Member and External Relations, commented on the strategic value of this addition. “Basin Electric has been considering solar generation for many years, and we are excited to incorporate solar generation into our all-encompassing generation portfolio,” he stated. “This diversity enables these resources to work together, providing maximum reliability at the lowest possible cost for our members.”
The completion of Wild Springs represents a key achievement for its developer and the state’s renewable energy goals. “The completion of Wild Springs marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering clean, sustainable energy solutions for South Dakota,” noted Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “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.”
Sources
- Wild Springs Solar Project | Central Electric Cooperative
- Wild Springs Solar Project in South Dakota Generating 128 MW
- South Dakota’s Largest Solar Project Comes Online
- South Dakota goes wild with solar power – enerG Magazine
- Commercial operation begins at Wild Springs Solar
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