Bison 4 Wind Energy Center, with a capacity of 205 MW, ranks as the 1345th largest power generation facility in the United States and the 118th largest wind plant in the country. Operated by ALLETE Inc. and commissioned in 2015, this facility represents a crucial step toward increasing renewable energy contributions in a landscape dominated by gas power. The wind energy produced here is harnessed through state-of-the-art turbine technology, which converts wind currents into sustainable electricity. Located near significant coal-fired power plants such as Coal Creek Station and Coal Creek (both at 1215.6 MW), as well as Antelope Valley (954 MW) and Milton R Young (734 MW), Bison 4 finds itself in a region heavily reliant on coal. This juxtaposition highlights the ongoing energy transition towards cleaner sources, even as traditional fossil fuels remain prevalent. Accounting for only 0.01% of the national capacity, Bison 4 contributes to the overall diversification of energy generation in the United States, which boasts a total capacity of 1,386,385 MW across 10,047 plants. Despite its modest share, Bison 4 Wind Energy Center plays a vital role in supporting the grid and enhancing energy security in the region. The facility not only generates renewable energy but also stimulates local economic growth through job creation and investment in green technologies. As the nation looks towards a sustainable future, the importance of facilities like Bison 4 cannot be overstated, serving as a beacon of progress in the quest for cleaner, more renewable energy solutions.
11 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Wind
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
United States of America — Energy ProfileWind power generation harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to produce electricity, making it one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources globally. This process begins with wind turbines, which consist of large blades mounted on a tower. As the wind blows, it causes the blades to rotate, transforming the wind's kinetic energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy through a generator connected to the turbine. The efficiency of wind turbines has significantly improved over the past decades, with modern designs capable of generating power even at low wind speeds.
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