A foundation of round-the-clock energy sources and strategic additions of wind energy and hydropower have Great River Energy, Dakota Electric’s wholesale power supplier, on track for 50 percent renewables by 2030.
Over the years, Great River Energy has evolved its portfolio by reducing its energy supply from fossil fuels and increasing its push into energy efficiency and renewables.
“Today we see significant opportunities in renewable energy that will enable us to grow our business in a cost-effective way,” said Great River Energy Vice President and Chief Power Supply Officer Jon Brekke. “Our member cooperatives increasingly want more renewable energy in their supply, and we aim to provide that.”
Great River Energy has exited contracts to receive power from two coal-based power plants and has retired Stanton Station, a coal power plant that served the cooperative’s membership for 50 years. For the first time in the organization’s history, there is more generating capacity from natural gas than coal.
Great River Energy has now set a new goal of 50 percent renewables by 2030, and their next big renewable energy undertaking will be the Emmons-Logan wind farm, which will bring 300 megawatts of wind to southern North Dakota by 2020.
“At the end of the day, we remain focused on our mission to provide our members affordable, reliable energy in harmony with a sustainable environment, “ Brekke said.
