South Dakota sees rapid increase in wind power projects

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota has seen a rapid increase in wind power projects over the last few years.

Public Utilities Commission Chairman Gary Hanson says they approved the first wind power project in 2003.

Hanson says they had to carry over two projects to this year that will add another 700 megawatts.

He says several factors led to the expansion.

Hanson says they are seeing different types of developers now.

Hanson says they are still developing rules on disposal of used blades and the decommissioning of discontinued wind power sites.