North Dakota paves the way in wind energy
The Aurora wind farm occupies 48,000 acres in Williams and Mountrail counties, North Dakota, adjacent to Enel’s Lindahl wind farm. Using 71 turbines, the plant is expected to generate around 1.3 TWh of sustainable energy each year, equivalent to the electricity needs of over 100,000 US households annually. This will eliminate 850,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year. Operations are due to commence in December 2020.
Technology
Wind
Status
Under construction
Capacity
299 MW
Energy production
1.3 TWh annually
CO2 Emissions avoided
850,000 tons annually
Electricity equivalent
+100,000 US households annually
Milestones
Our Corporate Partners
The Aurora wind project will provide Gap Inc. and Basin Electric Power Cooperative with enough electricity to help them reach their renewable energy goals. Gap Inc. will purchase the wind energy equivalent to the energy needs of over 1,500 retail stores in its global real estate portfolio. Basin Electric Power Cooperative will purchase a 142 MW portion of the project to provide renewable energy options to their customers as demand is increasing for more sustainable and cost-effective ways to create products.
Community Impact
Enel Green Power is committed to creating long-term shared value and productivity for the Williams County community. The project was responsible for 300 construction jobs during the plant’s construction, generating new opportunities for locally owned businesses. Also, it will create 12-15 full-time operations jobs. Aurora is expected to generate 35 million dollars in property taxes over the next 25 years and approximately 50 million dollars in payments to landowners over the life of the project. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Enel responded to support the health and well-being of its host communities by committing $58,000 in funds to first responders: the Tioga Medical Center, Ray Volunteer Fire District, Tioga Volunteer Fire District and Wildrose Volunteer Fire District.
Enel Green Power is working hard to develop the future wind workforce of North Dakota and as part of a multi-year commitment has sponsored the annual Drone Camp for Kids in Tioga to engage local students in STEM education. Additionally, Enel supports a scholarship at Lake Region State College for the wind turbine technician program, with preference given to students who hail from the Lindahl and Aurora project area.
Status of construction phase
Enel Green Power is committed to the “sustainable worksite” model and the Creating shared value model (CSV). When it builds projects, it monitors sustainability performance for energy, waste and water management, and the economic impact on the local community.
Workers >300
Workers >300 Construction jobs
Investment 220
Investment 220 Million dollars in local investment