KEYFACT Energy
Dairyland Power Cooperative has finalized a power purchase agreement with Avangrid Renewables, LLC, a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), for 52 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy from the Tatanka Ridge Wind Farm proposed for Deuel County, SD, northeast of Brookings.
Dairyland’s portion of Tatanka Ridge’s output would represent enough renewable energy to power approximately 16,000 homes. Avangrid Renewables is the owner and developer of the facility.
“Diversifying our generation mix is a key strategic priority for Dairyland and our cooperative membership. Tatanka Ridge will significantly increase our investment in sustainable, renewable energy,” said Rob Palmberg, Dairyland Vice President, Strategic Planning. “Dairyland has collaborated twice with Avangrid Renewables on existing wind energy projects and we are excited to work together again.”
The 154.8 MW Tatanka Ridge would encompass approximately 18,000 acres of primarily corn and soybean farms and cattle ranches, leased from more than 100 landowners. Between land lease payments and taxes, the wind farm would inject $1.7 million of economic benefits annually. The project will generate wind energy from 56 GE wind turbines, with construction anticipated to begin later this year. Commercial operation is expected by year-end 2020.
“Repeat customers like Dairyland understand how these partnerships and projects create long-term positive impacts in the communities where we build,” said Barrett Stambler, Avangrid Renewables’ Vice President of Origination. “Helping to diversify their generation portfolio with clean, competitive energy supply will also deliver new investment in South Dakota.”