World Power Plants

Pleasant Valley Wind Farm, ranking as the 1382nd largest power generation facility in the United States, boasts a capacity of 200 MW, contributing to a mere 0.01% of the nation's total electricity generation capacity of 1,386,385 MW. Commissioned in 2015 and operated by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota, this facility exemplifies the growth of wind energy within the region. As the 147th largest wind plant out of 1142 in the country, Pleasant Valley Wind Farm reinforces the commitment to renewable energy sources in an area predominantly reliant on natural gas. The facility employs advanced wind turbine technology to effectively capture and convert wind energy into electricity. This conversion process not only supports the local energy grid but also aids in the transition to more sustainable energy practices. The emphasis on wind energy is especially pertinent given the current focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change impacts. Geographically, Pleasant Valley Wind Farm is positioned within a notable energy cluster that includes several significant plants, such as the Pleasant Valley (MN) Gas Facility, which has a capacity of 467.8 MW, and the Pioneer Prairie Wind Farm at 300 MW. Additionally, Turtle Creek Wind Farm LLC, producing 200.1 MW, and Barton Windpower LLC at 160 MW further highlight the diverse energy landscape in the area. This clustering of facilities enables a more resilient power grid, while also showcasing the ongoing shift towards renewable energy sources in Minnesota. In the context of the U.S. energy profile, the role of Pleasant Valley Wind Farm is pivotal, particularly as the nation seeks to diversify its energy portfolio beyond fossil fuels. Wind energy stands as a crucial component of this diversification, and while the facility’s contribution may seem small in national terms, its impact on the local grid and commitment to renewable energy cannot be understated. As the world progresses towards cleaner energy solutions, Pleasant Valley Wind Farm represents a significant step forward in the utilization of wind resources in Minnesota. The ongoing development and operation of wind energy facilities like Pleasant Valley Wind Farm not only contribute to energy security but also foster environmental sustainability. This facility is poised to play a vital role in the future of energy production in the region, supporting the transition to a greener, more sustainable energy landscape.

Capacity
200 MW
Commissioning Year
2015

11 years old

Owner
Northern States Power Co - Minnesota
Location
43.8050°, -92.7697°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,433. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #7,393 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #283 of 5,731 Wind plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

11 years in operation

Wind fleet average: 14.4 years

Operator portfolio

Northern States Power Co - Minnesota operates 40 plants totalling 9,735 MW

Regional density

137 plants within 100 km, 7,152 MW combined

Nearest plant: Pleasant Valley (MN) (7 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 43.805000, -92.769700
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Pleasant Valley Wind Farm is a wind power plant producing approximately 526 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~11 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Wind
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
United States of America
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

10,098
Total Plants
1420.7 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearWind
Top Fuels

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.