Invenergy is progressing with its ambitious wind energy project, the Purple Skies Wind Energy Center, which is slated to begin a three-phase construction in 2026. Company officials shared updates during a Business During Hours event at their new Marshall office on Tuesday, hosted in conjunction with the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce.
The project, expected to generate up to 1,000 megawatts of electricity, will source wind energy from towers located in Lyon, Lincoln, Murray, Redwood, and Pipestone counties. Molly Malone, Invenergy’s Local and Community Affairs Manager, expressed optimism that all necessary permits would be secured by 2025.
“The construction will be carried out in three phases,” explained Tim Clement, Renewable Development Manager. “The first phase aims to produce between 200 and 250 megawatts, a typical size for this region.”
Highlighting the project's significance, Malone added, “This area is not just windy but reliably windy, particularly due to the Buffalo Ridge.”
Brandon Chestnut, Invenergy’s Crew Chief, emphasized the importance of engaging with local landowners, noting their openness to wind energy initiatives. “The people here are familiar with wind energy and have been incredibly welcoming,” he said.
“Many of our discussions with landowners have been personal, often involving multiple generations who will be impacted by this long-term commitment,” Clement noted. Each wind tower will require up to an acre of land, including space for the tower itself, easements, and access roads.
A steady stream of visitors attended the open house event to meet Invenergy officials and learn more about the project. “We welcome questions from the public,” said Malone.
Development of the Purple Skies Wind Energy Center began in 2022, encompassing various stages such as permitting, environmental studies, and interconnection studies. Recently, Invenergy relocated its area office from Tyler to Marshall to better coordinate the project and other nearby initiatives, including a solar project in Murray County and a project in Deuel County.
The project is part of a broader shift towards clean energy, spurred by Xcel Energy's decision to close a coal plant in Becker and the state’s commitment to renewable energy production.
Invenergy, a Chicago-based company, has developed over 200 projects, including wind, solar, transmission, infrastructure, green hydrogen, natural gas power generation, and advanced energy storage projects. “We’re unique as a U.S.-based company, with much of our competition based in Europe,” Malone pointed out.
Source: marshallindependent.com