Energy, Solar Energy, and Hydroelectric Power.

Basin Electric Power Cooperative is a leading energy provider in the United States, with a focus on developing renewable projects in the wind, solar, and hydroelectric power sectors. The company was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota. Basin Electric is a not-for-profit cooperative, owned by its member systems, which include rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and other power providers.

The company’s mission is to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to its members and customers. Basin Electric is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. The company has set a goal to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

Wind Energy

Basin Electric has been a leader in wind energy development in the United States. The company operates several wind farms across the Great Plains region, including the Crow Lake Wind Project in South Dakota, the PrairieWinds ND 1 and ND 2 projects in North Dakota, and the Pioneer Wind Park in Iowa. These wind farms have a combined capacity of over 1,000 megawatts (MW) and can power over 300,000 homes.

Basin Electric is also developing new wind projects in the region. The company is currently constructing the 120 MW PrairieWinds SD 1 project in South Dakota, which is expected to be completed in 2021. The company is also exploring the potential for offshore wind development in the Great Lakes region.

Solar Energy

In addition to wind energy, Basin Electric is also investing in solar energy projects. The company is developing a 10 MW solar project in Rapid City, South Dakota, which will be one of the largest solar projects in the state. The project will consist of over 44,000 solar panels and will generate enough electricity to power over 2,000 homes.

Basin Electric is also exploring the potential for community solar projects, which allow customers to purchase a portion of a solar project’s output. These projects can provide access to solar energy for customers who may not be able to install solar panels on their own homes.

Hydroelectric Power

Basin Electric has a long history of developing hydroelectric power projects. The company operates several hydroelectric facilities in the Missouri River Basin, including the Garrison Dam in North Dakota, which has a capacity of 583 MW. Basin Electric is also a partner in the Missouri River Energy Services, a regional power provider that operates several hydroelectric projects in the region.

The company is exploring the potential for new hydroelectric projects in the region, including the development of small-scale hydroelectric facilities that can be installed on existing dams or waterways.

Environmental Stewardship

Basin Electric is committed to environmental stewardship and is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint. The company has set a goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. To achieve this goal, the company is investing in renewable energy projects, as well as energy efficiency and conservation measures.

Basin Electric is also exploring the potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which can capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and store them underground. The company is a partner in the Carbon Safe project, a research initiative that is exploring the potential for CCS in the region.

Community Involvement

Basin Electric is committed to being a good neighbor and is involved in the communities where it operates. The company provides scholarships and grants to local schools and organizations, and supports community events and initiatives. Basin Electric also has a robust volunteer program, which encourages employees to give back to their communities through volunteer work.

Conclusion

Basin Electric Power Cooperative is a leader in renewable energy development in the United States. The company’s focus on wind, solar, and hydroelectric power is helping to reduce its carbon footprint and provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to its members and customers. Basin Electric’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement sets it apart as a responsible and forward-thinking energy provider.