A proposed wind energy project could soon transform the landscape of northwest Laramie County, Wyoming. Repsol, a global energy company based in Madrid, Spain, is planning to build the Laramie Range Wind Project, a 650-megawatt (MW) wind farm that would span over 56,000 acres and feature up to 170 wind turbines, about 20 miles north of Cheyenne.
The project is being proposed in two phases—the first delivering 400 MW, and the second adding 250 MW, with full operations expected by 2029.
Permitting and Investment Outlook
Though no permit applications have been submitted yet, Repsol intends to file with Laramie County by the end of June and with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality by October. The Laramie Range Wind Project represents a $1.1 billion investment and is projected to operate for at least 35 years.
According to Repsol, the site was chosen for its proximity to an existing 345kV transmission line and low anticipated environmental impacts.
Economic and Employment Impact
The Laramie Range Wind Project is expected to create significant economic benefits for Laramie County:
- An average of 131 construction workers during the build-out
- 23 permanent full-time jobs
- Long-term tax revenue and annual lease payments to landowners
Charles Farthing sees the project as a critical source of diversification:
“The cattle business is cyclical. This is a way to sustain the ranch for future generations.”
Factsheet: Laramie Range Wind Project
- Location: Northwest Laramie County, ~20 miles north of Cheyenne
- Size: 170 turbines, 56,000+ acres
- Output: 650 MW (400 MW Phase 1 + 250 MW Phase 2)
- Company: Repsol (Spain-based)
- Investment: $1.1 billion
- Timeline: Operational by 2029
- Jobs: 131 construction, 23 full-time
- Land use: Compatible with ranching/grazing
- Connection: Ault-to-Laramie River 345kV line
