Toole County, Montana, the NaturEner Glacier Wind Energy project stands as a testament to the vast, untapped renewable potential of the Northern Great Plains. As one of the largest wind farms in Montana, it plays a critical role in exporting the state’s abundant wind resources to coastal markets, channeling clean energy across state lines and demonstrating the economic viability of large-scale development in a region defined by its expansive landscapes and agricultural heritage.
Significance & Context
The NaturEner Glacier Wind Energy project, developed by the Spanish renewable company NaturEner USA, is a major power generator in the Pacific Northwest’s energy portfolio. With a total installed capacity of 210 megawatts (MW), the facility produces enough electricity to power approximately 70,000 homes annually, based on calculations from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Its strategic importance is amplified by its interconnection to the Pacific Northwest-Pacific Southwest (PNW-PSW) Intertie, a major transmission pathway managed by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) that allows its output to be delivered to markets in California, a dynamic supported by California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and tracked by the California Energy Commission.
Development Timeline
The project’s development capitalized on improving economics and growing demand for renewables in the late 2000s. Initial development and land acquisition in Toole County occurred in the mid-2000s. After navigating state and federal permitting, construction commenced in two phases. The NaturEner Glacier Wind Energy project was built out between 2011 and 2012, achieving full commercial operation during that period, with its operational date confirmed by its listing in the U.S. Wind Turbine Database.
Technology & Innovation
The project utilizes robust turbines designed for the consistent winds of the Northern Plains, featuring 140 Vestas V90-1.5 MW turbines. A significant aspect of its innovation was the successful large-scale interconnection to a high-voltage DC intertie, requiring sophisticated grid synchronization. This technical achievement underscored the feasibility detailed in interconnection studies accessible through BPA’s open access OASIS system and research on integrating variable resources by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Challenges & Controversies
A central challenge was securing and financing the complex interconnection agreement and transmission capacity on the heavily subscribed PNW-PSW Intertie. This hurdle was resolved through detailed grid studies and the establishment of strict operational protocols approved by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). The developer worked closely with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to ensure compliance, which was a prerequisite for financing, as documented in BPA’s public generator interconnection records.
Community & Economic Impact
For Toole County, the wind farm represents a transformative source of long-term revenue. During the multi-phase construction, the project typically employed over 300 workers, according to industry models from the American Clean Power Association. In its operational phase, it generates millions in annual property tax revenue, a crucial funding source detailed in Toole County financial reports. Furthermore, it provides substantial, guaranteed annual lease payments to participating ranchers, creating a drought-proof income source, a benefit for agricultural economics supported by Montana State University Extension.
Future Outlook
As a key asset, the NaturEner Glacier Wind Energy project has a stable, long-term operational horizon. Given the age of its turbines, it will eventually be a candidate for repowering, a strategy analyzed in NREL reports on wind plant modernization. Replacing the original turbines with modern models could potentially triple the site’s output, extending its economic benefits for decades. Its continued operation solidifies Montana’s strategic position in the transcontinental clean energy market, aligned with regional planning by the NorthWestern Energy and WECC.
At McIntosh County you can find also: Merricourt Wind Energy Center
