Renewables - Wind

Great River Energy currently purchases the output of six wind projects in Minnesota for a total of 318 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. A 160-foot, 200-kilowatt wind turbine is located on the site of our Maple Gove facility. Great River Energy is on track to reach the 25 percent renewables goal by 2025 set by the Minnesota Legislature.

The 100-MW Trimont Area Wind Farm – Minnesota’s first commercial-scale, landowner-developed wind farm in November 2005. Forty-three landowners in Jackson and Martin counties partnered with PPM Energy and Great River Energy to develop the project.
The 100-MW Prairie Star Wind Farm in Mower County, Minnesota, generates enough electricity to power approximately 36,000 Minnesota homes. The wind farm consists of 61 1.65-MW wind turbines.
The 100-MW Elm Creek Wind Farm located near the Trimont Area Wind Farm.
Great River Energy also purchases the output from three smaller wind projects in Chandler, Minnesota; Dodge Center, Minnesota, and Jackson County, Minnesota.

Elk River Station, a 37-MW refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plant in Elk River, Minn.
A 3.2-MW landfill gas facility also in Elk River, Minn.
A total of 5 MW methane derived energy from anaerobic digesters at five Minnesota dairies.

Great River Energy and our member cooperatives offer the popular Wellspring Renewable Energy Program. Through the program, customers may choose to buy additional wind energy for a nominal monthly fee.

To date, nearly 6,700 co-op members purchase Wellspring renewable energy. To purchase Wellspring renewable energy, contact your local electric cooperative.

View the previous day’s wind generation from the Chandler Hills Wind Farm.