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Minnesota Wind Power Fuels Giant Electric Line
23 Aug
Summary
- A 345-kilovolt transmission line will connect South Dakota to Minnesota.
- The project involves a $574 million investment in energy infrastructure.
- The line will enable significant wind and solar energy development.
Survey work for a substantial electric transmission line is set to begin in the coming months. This 345-kilovolt line, a $574 million investment, will stretch 97 miles from Big Stone City, South Dakota, to Alexandria, Minnesota. Land agents will be contacting property owners to secure easements along the approved route, which largely follows existing road and land divisions to minimize agricultural impact.
Environmental and geotechnical surveys, including deep borings for tower foundations, are underway. The project is anticipated to spur significant wind and solar energy development, with thousands of acres already leased for such purposes in Swift County. Construction of the transmission line is slated to commence in late 2027 or early 2028, with completion expected by 2030.
Rust-colored monopole steel towers, approximately 150 feet tall, will be installed, with four to six towers per mile. Each foundation will require extensive concrete work. The transmission line is designed for a lifespan of 60 to 100 years, with plans for a potential second circuit in the future. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has approved a 1,000-foot corridor for the route, allowing for adjustments to accommodate landowner concerns.
