Minnesota Power has unveiled plans to construct the 200-megawatt Longspur Wind project in west-central North Dakota, a significant step toward the utility’s broader ambition to achieve 90% renewable energy generation by 2035.
Project Details: 45 Turbines Planned Near Bison Wind Center
The proposed wind farm will consist of 45 turbines and will be located in Morton and Mercer counties, just west of Bismarck and adjacent to the company’s existing Bison Wind Energy Center—a facility with 165 turbines already generating around 500MW of wind power for the region. The Longspur project will tap into existing infrastructure, including substations and the company’s 465-mile transmission line linking central North Dakota to northeastern Minnesota.
The wind energy generated will be supplied to Minnesota Power’s 150,000 customers across northeastern Minnesota.
Construction Timeline: Starts 2026, Operational by End of 2027
According to the utility’s announcement on August 4, construction is scheduled to commence in 2026, with commercial operations expected to begin by the end of 2027. The project still requires multiple approvals at both state and county levels.
At this stage, neither Morton County nor Mercer County has received a permit application. Similarly, the North Dakota Public Service Commission has not yet been approached for regulatory approval. The PSC, which typically acts as the final checkpoint for such developments, noted that applications are only accepted after all siting and land agreements are in place.
Landowner Engagement and Permitting
Although Minnesota Power has not disclosed detailed progress on landowner easements, the company has stated its commitment to community involvement. “As with every project we do, we will actively engage with stakeholders and landowners through community meetings and timely communications,” said Amy Rutledge, Director of Corporate Communications.
Tax Credit Eligibility and Policy Context
The Longspur Wind project is currently eligible for the federal clean energy production tax credit, contingent on either beginning construction within one year of the recent congressional budget bill or commissioning the facility by the end of 2027. Wind power projects continue to face headwinds due to the Trump Administration that had stopped the Empire Offshore Wind power project.
The development aligns with Minnesota Power’s EnergyForward initiative, aimed at providing resilient, reliable, and cost-effective clean energy. “This project highlights our commitment to keeping customer bills low while advancing the clean-energy transition,” said Josh Skelton, COO of Minnesota Power and VP at parent company ALLETE.
FACT SHEET: Longspur Wind Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Longspur Wind Project |
| Location | Morton & Mercer Counties, North Dakota |
| Developer | Minnesota Power (a subsidiary of ALLETE Inc.) |
| Installed Capacity | 200 megawatts (MW) |
| Number of Turbines | 45 turbines |
| Construction Start Date | 2026 (planned) |
| Expected Commissioning | End of 2027 |
| Power Offtaker | 150,000 customers in northeast Minnesota |
| Transmission | 465-mile transmission line from ND to MN |
| Nearby Infrastructure | Adjacent to Bison Wind Energy Center (500MW capacity) |
| Tax Credit Eligibility | Clean energy PTC (must start construction or be online by 2027) |
| Permitting Status | Pending county and state regulatory approval |
| Community Engagement | Landowner consultations and public meetings planned |
| Parent Company | ALLETE Inc. |
