Abstract
The project under review here is called the High Prairie II Wind Farm (Project). This Project is a large wind energy conversion system (LWECS), as defined in the Wind Siting Act, Minnesota Statutes §§ 216F.01–216F.07. This Project is also a large energy facility (LEF), as defined in Minnesota Statutes § 216B.2421. The Project is located in Clayton, Bennington, Grand Meadow, and Marshall Townships (Township 104 N, Range 33 W, Sections 7-9, 16-21, 28-30) in Mower County. The Project site contains approximately 13,000 acres. The Project will generate electricity using up to 61 wind turbines with a rated capacity of 1.65 megawatts each. The Project will have a combined net electric generating capacity of approximately 100.65 MW. If one assumes an estimated net capacity factor of approximately 39 percent, projected average annual output would be 343,000 megawatt hours (MWh). The annual capacity factor will vary based on weather conditions and operational and maintenance issues associated with the facility. Output will also be dependent on final design, site-specific features, and equipment.