Ranked as the 1,326th largest power generation facility in the United States, Buffalo Ridge II LLC holds a significant position in the ever-expanding landscape of renewable energy sources in the country. With a robust capacity of 210 MW, this wind plant is the 106th largest of its kind among the 1,142 wind facilities in the USA. Its contribution of 0.02% to the national power capacity showcases the facility's role in supporting the shift toward cleaner energy sources amid a country where natural gas dominates the energy mix. Technologically, Buffalo Ridge II operates using advanced wind turbine technology, harnessing the consistent winds of South Dakota to generate electricity sustainably. This facility is part of a regional cluster of wind power plants, which includes nearby MinnDakota Wind LLC with a capacity of 150 MW, Lake Benton I at 107.2 MW, and the smaller Coyote Ridge at 96.7 MW. Notably, the proximity to Deer Creek Station, a gas-fired plant with a capacity of 324 MW, highlights the diverse fuel portfolio of the area, emphasizing the ongoing transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. In national context, the USA boasts a total of 10,047 plants with a staggering combined capacity of 1,386,385 MW, where gas remains the dominant fuel. Buffalo Ridge II's contribution, while modest, is part of a growing movement toward sustainable power generation. Owned and operated by Avangrid Renewables LLC, the plant was commissioned in 2011, marking a significant step in the region's renewable energy journey. Looking forward, Buffalo Ridge II’s operational stability and strategic location position it as a critical player in the local grid, contributing to energy security and environmental sustainability in a region increasingly reliant on wind energy.
15 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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