Seventy-two turbine Brady II Wind Energy Center receives siting permit from North Dakota PSC

The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a permit on Wednesday for the construction and operation of the Brady II Wind Energy Center in Hettinger and Stark Counties.

The project will provide 150 MW of wind energy from 72 turbines, with total costs projected at $250 million.

“Each wind project is unique in some way and the Commission continues to work through issues within our jurisdiction to find the best solution for each project and at the same time respecting the role of the counties in the process,” PSC Commissioner Brian Kalk, who holds the Electric Generation and Transmission portfolio, said. “As wind projects continue to come before us, we are committed to continue working with the Association of Counties to plan ahead for all types of energy development.”

The turbines, all of which are located in Hettinger County, will conform to 2,000-foot setback requirements set by Stark County, which set more stringent requirements for mandatory distances from inhabited residences.

“This wind facility and the Brady I project include features that are the direct result of public input, including more restrictive setbacks from non-participants in the area and a new lighting feature that will allow the facility to generate without permanently changing the area’s beautiful night sky,” PSC Chairman Julie Fedorchak said.