Overview
Crowned Ridge Wind Energy Center is an operational onshore wind farm in South Dakota, USA, with a capacity of 200.1 MW, contributing to the region's renewable energy portfolio.
Crowned Ridge Wind Energy Center is an operational onshore wind farm located in South Dakota, United States. With a capacity of 200.1 MW, it is a medium-to-large scale facility within the US wind energy sector, supporting the state's renewable energy goals. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and South Dakota's Renewable Portfolio Standards, which encourage wind energy development. The project utilizes modern wind turbine technology typical of the region, benefiting from strong wind resources in the Great Plains. As a wind energy facility, Crowned Ridge Wind Energy Center contributes to grid decarbonization and local energy independence. Its operation helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports the transition to clean energy in the Midwest, while also providing economic benefits through land lease payments and job creation.
Environmental context
The wind farm is situated in the Great Plains region, characterized by open agricultural landscapes and strong, consistent winds. While wind energy has a low carbon footprint, it can impact local bird and bat populations through collisions. Proper siting and mitigation measures are typically employed to minimize these effects. The facility's location away from major migratory routes helps reduce ecological risks.
Frequently asked questions
Crowned Ridge Wind Energy Center is located in South Dakota, United States, at coordinates 45.1549 N, -96.8368 W.
The wind farm has a capacity of 200.1 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale facility in the US wind sector.
The facility is owned by Crowned Ridge Wind LLC.
The Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits and incentives for renewable energy projects, including wind farms, reducing costs and encouraging investment in clean energy infrastructure.
Wind energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and supports South Dakota's renewable energy targets, while also providing economic benefits to rural communities.