Rising from the expansive high plains of Carbon County, Wyoming, the Dunlap Wind Farm represents a significant deployment of wind energy in a state traditionally defined by fossil fuel production. This project underscores Wyoming’s strategic role as a major exporter of clean power, harnessing its vast wind resources to supply electricity to distant markets while generating crucial, long-term revenue for its rural host county and landowners.
Significance & Context
The Dunlap Wind Farm, developed by Duke Energy Renewables, is a major contributor to the Western power grid and Wyoming’s diversified energy portfolio. With a total installed capacity of 99 megawatts (MW), the facility generates enough electricity to power approximately 30,000 homes annually, based on U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) calculations. Its output is integrated into the transmission system managed by the Pacificorp utility, which serves customers across multiple western states. This project highlights Wyoming’s evolution from a coal stronghold into a multi-resource energy leader, leveraging its wind to meet the renewable portfolio standards of neighboring states, a transition supported by initiatives from the Wyoming Energy Authority.
Development Timeline
The project’s development timeline reflects the growing market for Wyoming wind in the late 2000s. Initial site prospecting and land acquisition in Carbon County began in the mid-2000s. After navigating state and county permitting, including review by the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council (WISC), and securing a power purchase agreement, construction commenced. The Dunlap Wind Farm was completed and achieved commercial operation in 2009, a date confirmed by its listing in the U.S. Wind Turbine Database.
Technology & Innovation
The project employs robust, cold-weather hardened turbines suited for the high plains environment. It features 66 Siemens (now Siemens Gamesa) 1.5 MW turbines, a workhorse model of its era known for reliability. A key aspect of its design was engineering for the region’s extreme temperature swings, high winds, and winter weather to ensure high operational availability, aligning with best practices for harsh climates documented by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Challenges & Controversies
A primary challenge was navigating the concerns of the local ranching community and state wildlife agencies regarding potential impacts on grazing operations and sensitive species, particularly the greater sage-grouse. This hurdle was resolved through proactive engagement and adaptive siting. Duke Energy Renewables worked with state agencies and likely implemented specific habitat mitigation measures and adjusted turbine placement. Furthermore, the project design allowed for continued cattle grazing around turbine bases, demonstrating agricultural compatibility. These steps were integral to securing approvals from the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council (WISC), with relevant permits accessible through the WISC project database.
Community & Economic Impact
For Carbon County, the wind farm has become a vital source of long-term, diversified revenue. During its construction phase, the project typically employed 150-250 workers, according to American Clean Power Association industry models, providing a significant economic stimulus. Its ongoing operation generates a steady, multi-decade stream of property tax revenue for the county, providing essential funding detailed in Carbon County financial records. Furthermore, it provides guaranteed annual lease payments to participating ranchers, creating a predictable, drought-resistant source of income that supplements traditional livestock revenue, a benefit recognized by the University of Wyoming Extension.
Future Outlook
As a mature asset, the Dunlap Wind Farm continues its reliable operation. Given its age and the rapid advancement of turbine technology, it is now a candidate for future repowering, a strategy analyzed in NREL reports on wind plant modernization. Replacing the original turbines with modern models could potentially triple the site’s energy output on the same land footprint, extending its economic life for another 25 years. Such an investment would trigger a new cycle of local jobs and refreshed long-term revenue for Carbon County, ensuring the project remains a key part of the local economy and Wyoming’s energy landscape for decades to come.
At Logan County you can find also: Northern Colorado Wind
