Project Overview
To support Xcel Energy's wind energy development efforts, Mortenson constructed the Dakota Range Wind Project, a 300 MW wind energy facility in South Shore, South Dakota. The project included access roads, public road upgrades, underground collection systems, a 345 kV substation, an operations and maintenance building, and installation of 72 Vestas wind turbines.
Customer Impact
The Dakota Range Wind Project expanded Xcel Energy's wind energy portfolio and supported their vision of becoming carbon-free by 2050. Building on previous work for Xcel Energy in Colorado and Minnesota, Mortenson delivered the civil and electrical infrastructure required to construct and operate the 300 MW facility.
Construction activities included improvements to public roads and work across predominantly agricultural land, supporting project development within the local community while accommodating the unique conditions of the project site.
Key Takeaways
- Constructed access roads and completed public road upgrades as part of project infrastructure development.
- Installed 300,000 circuit feet of underground collection infrastructure.
- Built one 345kV substation and an operations and maintenance building.
- Erected 71 Vestas V136 wind turbines and one Vestas V120 wind turbine.
- Completed construction across predominantly agricultural land in South Dakota.
- Peak workforce included 300 craft team members and 25 salaried team members.
- Delivery Method
-
Engineer, Procure and Construct
- Additional Project Facts
-
Completion Date: December 2021
300 MW
Delivering Infrastructure Across Agricultural Land
The project site consisted primarily of agricultural land characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain, with some areas near rivers, creeks, and other water features. Mortenson's scope included construction of access roads, public road upgrades, underground collection systems, a 345 kV substation, and an operations and maintenance building.
The electrical infrastructure included 300,000 circuit feet of underground collection, supporting installation of 71 Vestas V136 wind turbines and one Vestas V120 wind turbine.
Supporting Construction Through Workforce Planning
At peak construction, the project employed 300 craft team members and 25 salaried team members. The workforce supported project delivery across multiple concurrent activities, including road construction, electrical infrastructure installation, substation construction, and turbine erection.
Project Outcome
The completed Dakota Range Wind Project provided the infrastructure required to support a 300 MW wind energy facility and expanded Mortenson's longstanding work with Xcel Energy's wind energy portfolio. The project also included public road improvements and construction activities across active agricultural land in South Dakota.
