The Infinity Renewable Energy Program allows consumers to decide how much of the electricity they purchase is generated by renewable resources. The program was originally started in 2002 to support the development of the first two commercial-scale wind turbines in North Dakota. The sustained success of those turbines, located near the towns of Petersburg and Valley City, jump-started efforts to harness the state's abundant wind energy potential.
By enrolling in the Infinity program through their local NMPA municipal, consumers can choose a designated number of kilowatt-hours or percentage of electricity used that they would like to be derived from renewable resources. While it is not possible to direct where electrons are specifically delivered on the electric grid, it is possible to ensure that the renewable energy purchased is from a resource connected to the Minnkota/NMPA transmission system. The record of that purchase and the proof that it was reserved for a specific consumer is done through a renewable energy credit (REC).
Participating consumers pay for the additional cost to purchase renewable energy and to specifically designate how this energy is credited and used.
Contact your local NMPA municipal to learn more.
Langdon Wind Energy Center
Location
Nine miles south of Langdon, N.D.
Size
Total: 199.5 megawatts (MW)
Minnkota/NMPA portion: 139.5 MW
Otter Tail portion: 60 MW
Start-up date
Commissioned in stages from 2007-2008
Turbines
133 turbines, 1.5 MW each, manufactured by General Electric
Towers
Approximately 260 feet to center of hub
Blades
Variable pitch – 120 feet long
Ashtabula Wind Energy Center
Location
15 miles northeast of Valley City, N.D.
Size
Total: 379 megawatts (MW)
Minnkota/NMPA portion: 217.5 MW
Otter Tail portion: 110.5 MW
Great River Energy portion: 51 MW
Start-up date
Commissioned in stages from 2008-2010
Turbines
250 turbines, 1.5 MW each, manufactured by General Electric
Towers
Approximately 260 feet to center of hub
Blades
Variable pitch – 120 feet long
Oliver County Wind Energy Center
Location
42 miles northwest of Bismarck, N.D.
Size
Total: 199 megawatts (MW)
Minnkota/NMPA portion: 100 MW
Minnesota Power portion: 99 MW
Start-up date
Phase 1-2: 2006-2007
Phase 3: 2017
Turbines
98 turbines ranging from 1.5 MW to 2.3 MW
Towers
Approximately 260 feet to center of hub
Blades
Variable pitch – 120 feet long