Aurora Wind Project, USA

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.

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.