The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved a construction permit for the South Deuel Wind Project, marking a significant step in the state's commitment to renewable energy. Set to be located near Watertown, this wind energy conversion facility will span around 29,258 acres in Deuel County, situated in eastern South Dakota. The project plans to install up to 68 wind turbines, which will provide a total capacity of 260 megawatts.

Alongside the turbines, the project will include a six-mile, 345-kilovolt generator tie line, along with an electrical collection system, control and data systems, an operations and maintenance facility, and improvements to an existing switchyard. Other features of the project will be up to two aircraft detection lighting system towers and up to three meteorological towers to monitor environmental conditions.

PUC Commissioner Gary Hanson praised the collaborative effort between parties involved, emphasizing that many of the conditions tied to the approval resulted from discussions aimed at resolving concerns. “I really appreciate all the work parties put into this docket to get us to this point. Many of the conditions we have before us today are a result of the participation of intervenors and discussions among all parties to resolve outstanding issues,” Hanson said. “This docket is a good example of the process working as it should.”

However, the approval comes with more than 50 conditions that must be met throughout the project’s life cycle, from construction to operation and maintenance. These conditions include requirements to mitigate impacts on local wildlife and habitats, manage road use, address noise levels, and ensure proper land reclamation once construction is completed. Another major concern raised by the PUC was the status of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) study on potential hazards, and the need for coordination with local agricultural operations and spray applicators. As a result, a condition was added to limit construction activity to specific times during the day.

PUC member Chris Nelson confirmed that the South Deuel Wind Project adhered to all state law requirements, acknowledging that additional FAA evaluations and noise modeling would be necessary before finalizing turbine locations. “Deuel Harvest South has met the requirements of state law to receive a permit to construct and operate,” Nelson said. “How many of the turbine locations are actually constructed will be determined by additional FAA evaluation and noise modeling based on turbine type.”

Commissioner Kristie Fiegen reinforced the importance of the conditions to safeguard local landowners. “Considering all evidence in the record, South Deuel Wind Project has met the criteria in state law to receive a permit,” Fiegen added.

The project, filed by Deuel Harvest Wind Energy South, LLC in June 2024, is expected to begin commercial operations in December 2026. The approval follows a public input meeting held in Clear Lake in August 2024 and an evidentiary hearing in January 2025. By law, the PUC had to issue a decision within nine months of receiving the initial application.

With renewable energy projects like the South Deuel Wind Project gaining traction, South Dakota continues to make strides in expanding its clean energy infrastructure while also balancing local interests.

Originally reported by The Dakota Scout.