South Dakota Approves Largest Wind Farm in State

The $750 million, 333 megawatt wind farm will be spread across 110 square miles of private land.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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South Dakota regulators have approved a permit for a $750 million, 333 megawatt wind farm that will be the largest in the state. The wind farm, to be developed by Philip Wind Partners, a subsidiary of Chicago-based Invenergy, will be spread across approximately 110 square miles of private land north of Philip and about 85 miles east of Rapid City. The project is expected to create 200 construction jobs and 12 long-term jobs, and the company anticipates paying $85 million to landowners, $50 million in property taxes, and $10 million in other state and local sales taxes over the next 30 years.

Why it matters

This wind farm project reinforces South Dakota's position as a leader in wind energy production, with 58% of the state's electrical generation coming from wind - higher than all other states except Iowa and Kansas. The project will significantly boost the state's electricity-generation capacity.

The details

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission voted to accept a settlement agreement between the commission's legal staff and Philip Wind Partners that outlines requirements the company must follow during construction and operation. The company filed its application with the commission in August 2025, triggering a nine-month review period. Construction is expected to start in June, with the wind farm reaching commercial operation in December 2027.

  • The company filed its application with the commission on August 15, 2025.
  • The commission's nine-month review period was triggered in August 2025.
  • Construction is expected to start in June.
  • The wind farm is expected to reach commercial operation in December 2027.

The players

Philip Wind Partners

A subsidiary of Chicago-based Invenergy that is developing the $750 million, 333 megawatt wind farm in South Dakota.

South Dakota Public Utilities Commission

The state regulatory body that approved the permit for the wind farm project.

Chris Nelson

A commissioner on the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission who stated that the applicant has proven they are entitled to the permit under state law.

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What they’re saying

“The applicant has proven they are entitled to this permit under the criteria established in state law. When constructed, this wind facility will be the largest in the state, reinforcing our state's electricity-generation capacity.”

— Chris Nelson, Commissioner, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (South Dakota Searchlight)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the project to move forward with construction.

The takeaway

This wind farm project solidifies South Dakota's position as a national leader in wind energy production, with the state now generating 58% of its electricity from wind - a higher percentage than all other states except Iowa and Kansas. The project will significantly boost the state's electricity-generation capacity while also providing economic benefits to the local community through job creation and tax revenue.