National Grid Renewables started on-site construction at its Wild Springs Solar Project in Pennington County, South Dakota. Wild Springs, the largest solar energy project in South Dakota to date, is a 128-MW_AC solar project located in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) with a 114-MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

“Wild Springs represents a continuation of our leadership in renewable energy and economic development in the state of South Dakota,” said Blake Nixon, president of National Grid Renewables. “Our Crocker Wind Farm located in Clark County began operation in 2019, and now with Wild Springs, we will have nearly 330 MW of clean energy projects in the state, all of which contribute significantly to the tax base, as well as the local communities that host the projects.”

Wild Springs is expected to begin commercial operation in 2023. Once operational, Wild Springs is projected to produce $12 million in new tax revenue throughout the first 20 years of operation, donating over $500,000 during the first 20 years of operation to the local community through a planned charitable fund.

Wild Springs selected Ames Construction as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner to construct the Wild Springs facility. The Renewables Group leadership at Ames Construction has over 10 years of experience building solar projects across the United States. Ames Construction estimates the need to employ 250 construction workers to complete this major infrastructure project.

“Ames appreciates National Grid Renewables’ confidence in being selected as their EPC partner,” said Craig Sandeen, president of Ames Renewables. “We’re excited to be a part of building South Dakota’s largest solar project!”

Wild Springs will use next-generation Series 6 thin-film solar modules developed and produced by First Solar,. Recently, First Solar and National Grid Renewables announced a 2-GW supply of solar modules scheduled for delivery in 2024-2025.

News item from National Grid Renewables