Geronimo Energy Seeks Permit for 128-Megawatt Solar Project, Largest in South Dakota

Wild Springs Solar LLC filed an application with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission for a permit to build a 128-megawatt solar project in eastern Pennington County, according to a May 22 notice. The project will serve Basin Electric Power Cooperative under a 15-year power purchase agreement, starting in 2022 to help the cooperative meet its customer’s increasing capacity needs in the long run. The project, spanning nearly 1,500 acres, will be the largest photovoltaic facility in South Dakota once constructed and bring both economic and environmental benefits to the local community.

The total installed capital costs for the project are estimated to be approximately $190 million.The electricity generated by the project will interconnect to the New Underwood Substation, which is owned and operated by Western Area Power Administration. The existing electrical and transportation infrastructure, as well as the transmission lines will help Wild Springs to minimize the cost to construct its own ancillary facilities and make the project be more economical. The project facilities will include solar modules, inverters, tracking racking, and other supporting facilities.

The company said that the project is designed to  bring socioeconomic benefits to landowners, local governments, and communities. Benefits include reducing energy costs to consumers, providing supplementary income to landowners, and creating jobs. The project is expected to generate approximately 150 job opportunities at peak construction and four permanent operations and maintenance positions to the local community. In addition, it will benefit landowners in the land control area with annual lease payments.

The commission will hold a meeting on July 1 to gather public input on the project.

Wild Springs Solar LLC is a subsidiary of Geronimo Energy LLC, a National Grid company.