Download WindpowerUpdate 15 - Nordex

Energy in Motion
Nordex in North Dakota
The Prairie Winds: Energy in Motion wind park, a joint project
between Basin Electric Cooperative and Central Power
Cooperative, is located near Minot, in the far north central region
of the state. With a generating capacity of 2,600 kilowatts, the
two N60/1300 kW Cold Climate Version turbines will produce
enough electricity to power nearly 700 US-homes each year.
Construction of the wind turbines with 60-metre tubular towers
was completed in October 2002.
Basin Electric already offers consumers coal- and oil-generated
electricity, as well as hydroelectric power from dams along
the Missouri River. “Prairie Winds is an important addition to the
regional power supply by offering another renewable resource for
cooperative-served customers,” Ron Rebenitsch, Basin Electric’s
manager of member marketing, said. In an interview with the
Minot Daily News during the initial construction period, Basin
Electric’s Randy Bush added that with the “wide band of good
wind” that characterises the Minot site, it is a prime area for
electricity generation.
“Obviously, Nordex is quite happy to have been selected by
Basin Electric to put up more turbines in their service territory.
It is another challenge for operating in such extreme (hot and
cold) climatic conditions, but the CCV turbines should fare OK,”
noted John Fedorko, President of Nordex USA. “We are pleased
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Two N60/1300 kW wind turbines fully operational from November 6, 2002.
WINDPOWERUPDATE ı North America
to be associated with Basin Electric as they lead the way in installations
in one of the best wind resource areas in the United
States.” Nordex will also be providing the operations and maintenance
on those turbines.
The Dakotas region has attracted increased attention recently
from renewable energy companies and public officials for its
potential as a vast and relatively untapped source of wind power.
The new Minot park and its sister park in Chamberlain, SD (see
Windpower Update no. 14, August 2002), both of which showcase
the N60 machine, will become part of the region’s transformation
into what North Dakota Governor John Hoeven refers
to as the future “Saudi Arabia of wind.”
(Photo courtesy of Basin Electric Power Cooperative)
Installation of the first Nordex turbine in North Dakota. The prairie wind blows for the operation of the Nordex turbine.