Wind Power in South Dakota
South Dakota is poised over the next few years to become a national leader in wind power generation. The available wind resources are among the best in the country, and public officials have expressed strong interest in promoting wind energy as a way to boost the state’s economy, aid landowners and produce clean energy. Yet, to date, very little of this opportunity has been realized. As of January 2008, there are about 4,000 MW of wind power under development in South Dakota. However, only 188 MW of wind energy has actually been installed. By contrast, Minnesota and Iowa each already have more than 1,200 MW of installed wind capacity. The 4,000 MW of wind power under development in South Dakota potentially represent $8 billion of investment. Sound and smart public policies can help transform this potential into reality.
The paper showcases the enormous wind power potential for South Dakota to be a renewable energy powerhouse. It then identifies some important policy drivers that can help South Dakotans fully and effectively tap this tremendous resource.
