The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has granted a construction permit for the South Deuel Wind project, which will span approximately 29,258 acres in Deuel County, with several conditions attached. The approval, announced on February 28, 2025, allows for the development of a wind energy conversion facility that includes up to 68 wind turbines, a nameplate capacity of 260 megawatts, and a six-mile 345-kilovolt generator tie line. Additional project components include electrical collection and control systems, improvements to the existing Astoria switchyard, an operations and maintenance facility, as well as towers for aircraft detection lighting and meteorological monitoring.

“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. This docket is a good example of the process working as it should,” said PUC Chairman Gary Hanson.

The permit comes with over 50 conditions addressing various concerns, such as the status of the Federal Aviation Administration’s aeronautical study, agricultural cooperation, noise levels, and habitat protection for threatened or endangered species. The conditions also cover decommissioning, road use, ice detection, and reclamation requirements.

“Deuel Harvest South has met the requirements of state law to receive a permit to construct and operate. How many of the turbine locations are actually constructed will be determined by additional FAA evaluation and noise modeling based on turbine type,” explained Vice Chair Chris Nelson.

“The South Deuel Wind Project has met the criteria in state law to receive a permit. I appreciate the additional conditions placed on this project to protect local landowners in the area,” stated Commissioner Kristie Fiegen.

The commission also recognized the contributions of Deuel County resident Arla Hamann Poindexter, an intervenor who actively participated in the process by submitting testimony and engaging in the evidentiary hearing.

The application for the project was filed by Deuel Harvest Wind Energy South, LLC on June 28, 2024. State law requires a decision to be made within nine months of receiving the application, and a public meeting was held in Clear Lake in August 2024. An evidentiary hearing took place in January 2025. If all proceeds as planned, the project is expected to be in commercial operation by December 2026.

The South Deuel Wind project has been a focal point of interest for both environmental advocates and local residents. With over 50 conditions attached to the permit, the project aims to address concerns regarding wildlife conservation, sound pollution, and environmental degradation, while also ensuring that the community remains involved and protected throughout the construction and operational phases. Key considerations such as agricultural cooperation and noise modeling are integral to making the project sustainable and beneficial for the local area.

The project's expected completion by December 2026 is a significant step forward for South Dakota’s renewable energy goals, and with the PUC’s decision, it paves the way for further investments in wind energy that contribute to the state’s growing energy infrastructure. To learn more about the Deuel Harvest South Wind Project, visit the PUC website at www.puc.sd.gov.

Originally reported by Jody Heemstra in DRG News.