Renewable energy from Minnesota Power's Bison 1 wind project is now flowing to the power grid, the utility has announced. This represents the completion of the 15-turbine second phase of the Bison 1 project.
The first phase of the 82 MW Bison 1 project was completed about a year ago. Midway through the construction of the first phase, which consists of 16 turbines rated at 2.3 MW, Minnesota Power decided to deploy upgraded 3 MW Siemens turbines featuring direct-drive power units. The second phase of Bison 1 will deliver more wind energy for approximately the same cost as in the first phase of the project, according to Minnesota Power.
In addition, work is well under way on Minnesota Power's Bison 2 and Bison 3 wind farms, located adjacent to the Bison 1 installation in Oliver and Morton counties. Bison 2 and 3 will each consist of 35 Siemens 3 MW direct-drive turbines, and together, they will supply an additional 210 MW of renewable energy.
Work on Bison 2 and 3 continues with favorable fall and winter weather, allowing solid progress on roads, foundations and balance-of-plant systems, and completion is expected at the end of this year, Minnesota Power says.
