Minnesota Power Expands Bison Windfarm Operations in North Dakota

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Minnesota Power (Duluth, Minnesota), a division of ALLETE, recently completed Phase 1B of its multiphase project at Bison Windfarm in North Dakota. Phase 1B consists of 15 Siemens SWT-3.0MW 101Direct-Drive wind turbines. Together, phases I and II have the capacity to produce more than 80 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy.

As the Bison Windfarm further expands its facility, phases II and III are under construction in various stages. Construction continues at a constant pace in these two phases to provide more electricity to the grid system before year's end. When completed, phases II and III will consist of 35 wind turbines each. Their contribution to this facility will add an additional 210 MW to the existing facility. Siemens will deliver the SWT-3.0 MW 101Direct-Drive units to this facility.

Bison II is well under way with construction of more than 19 foundations poured and 70% of the roads built. The underground collection system will consist of 34.5-kilovolt wiring. Phase III is not too far behind with more than 30% of the roads built. As the Bison Windfarm continues to expand, the commercial operation date (COD) draws nearer, and the projects needed to meet all the necessary requirements to become operational before the end of the year seem to be on schedule. When completed, Minnesota Power will be just a little closer to its goal of achieving 25% renewable energy by 2025.

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