Invenergy, through its subsidiary Philip Wind Partners LLC, has filed for state approval to develop a large-scale $750 million, 300 MW wind energy project in Haakon County, South Dakota. Located about 15 miles north of the town of Philip, the proposal spans approximately 70,000 acres of privately owned land and envisions up to 87 wind turbines. This significant infrastructure investment, if approved, would contribute substantial capacity to the Southwest Power Pool, which is anticipating a regional power gap later in the decade.
Grid Connection & Environmental Compliance
A crucial aspect of the project is its proposed electrical integration. Developers plan to construct approximately seven miles of new 230 kV transmission lines linking the wind farm to the Philip North Switchyard, which itself connects to the Oahe–New Underwood corridor. This strategic transmission infrastructure is backed by the Western Area Power Administration. It has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) under NEPA, signifying early environmental compliance.
Economic and Community Impact
The proposed wind farm promises meaningful economic benefits: about 200 construction jobs and 12 permanent operations roles. Landowners stand to receive over $85 million in lease payments across 30 years, while local governments could collect more than $50 million in property taxes and upwards of $10 million in sales taxes.
Planning Process & Next Steps
The application was officially submitted on August 15, 2025, and state regulators have opened a formal docket, designated EL25-029, for the project. The filing includes extensive environmental assessments and planning documentation. Community members will have a chance to weigh in at a public input hearing scheduled for October 2, 2025, as part of the regulatory review process.
Broader Context & Strategic Position
This filing builds on Invenergy’s growing renewable energy footprint in South Dakota. Earlier this year, the developer received approval for the 260 MW, 68-turbine Deuel Harvest Wind Energy South project in Deuel County, adding to the existing Deuel Harvest Wind Farm completed in 2021. The state now ranks 13th in the nation for installed wind capacity, highlighting expanding clean energy deployment. This trajectory mirrors broader industry trends: for example, Meta recently signed agreements to source 791 MW of solar and wind power for its data centers, underscoring how large-scale clean energy partnerships are becoming the new norm.
This proposal is more than another big project, it reflects mounting momentum behind rural renewable infrastructure, propelled by grid demands, environmental planning, and substantial economic returns for communities. As regulators, landowners, and energy markets all weigh in, the outcome may well influence how future developments are permitted and received across the renewable sector.
Project Overview
Developer: Philip Wind Partners, LLC (Subsidiary of Invenergy)
Location: Haakon County, South Dakota (approx. 15 miles north of Philip)
Project Scope:
Proposed 300 MW wind energy facility.
Up to 87 turbines, each up to 6.1 MW capacity.
Site area: Approximately 68,300 acres, with over 50,000 acres under lease.
Land Disturbance:
Temporary disturbance: Approx. 1,247 acres; Permanent disturbance: Approx. 117 acres
Vegetation and farmland impacted include agricultural land, grasslands, and small wetland areas.
Interconnection Plan:
Includes a new 230 kV transmission line (~7 miles) to the Philip North Switchyard, tying into WAPA’s Oahe–New Underwood corridor.
WAPA has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) under NEPA.
Economic Benefits:
Construction jobs: Approx. 200
Permanent O&M roles: Approx. 12–20
Landowner lease payments: Over $85 million (over 30 years)
Property tax revenue: Over $50 million
Sales tax contribution: Approx. $10 million
Tax benefits to schools and local services: Estimated at over $44 million in total over the project life.
Timeline:
Application filed: August 15, 2025; registration docket EL25-029 is opened.
Public Input Meeting: Scheduled for October 2, 2025.
Development to Operational Phases: Development planning (2015–2025), expected construction 2026–2027, with operations projected thereafter.
Environmental Considerations:
Efforts include avoiding sensitive grasslands and species habitats (e.g., prairie grouse), with conservational setbacks implemented.
