Projects: Power Plants
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Our Company

Great River Energy's service area includes some of the fastest growing communities in the region. In addition to the generation projects we are currently pursuing, Great River Energy will need to add significant resources in the coming years to meet its growing demand. We have identified the need to add approximately 1,100 MW (megawatts) of capacity over the next 15 years to satisfy an increase in member demand for electricity.
We also have made the commitment to meet the 25 percent Minnesota Renewable Energy Standard by 2025. These new resources would be in addition to our increasing load management and conservation efforts.

Spiritwood Station

Great River Energy is constructing Spiritwood Station near Jamestown, N.D., which will provide steam for a proposed ethanol plant and existing malt plant, and electricity for the regional energy market. As the local electric service provider, Otter Tail Power will provide electricity to the malt and ethanol plants. The plant is expected to be online in early 2010. See news release.

Elk River Peaking Plant

Great River Energy is building a 175-megawatt peaking power plant in Elk River, Minn. The plant is being built on a site already owned by Great River Energy. The facility is expected to start generating peaking power in the summer of 2009.

Arrowhead Standby Generator

Great River Energy and Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, Lutsen, have built an 18-megawatt standby generator in the Arrowhead region of Minnesota to help improve the reliability of electric service in the area. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2009.