Bison 4 Wind Energy Center — 205 MW Wind

Bison 4 Wind Energy Center, with a capacity of 205 MW, ranks as the 1345th largest power generation facility in the United States and the 118th largest wind plant in the country. Operated by ALLETE Inc. and commissioned in 2015, this facility represents a crucial step toward increasing renewable energy contributions in a landscape dominated by gas power. The wind energy produced here is harnessed through state-of-the-art turbine technology, which converts wind currents into sustainable electricity. Located near significant coal-fired power plants such as Coal Creek Station and Coal Creek (both at 1215.6 MW), as well as Antelope Valley (954 MW) and Milton R Young (734 MW), Bison 4 finds itself in a region heavily reliant on coal. This juxtaposition highlights the ongoing energy transition towards cleaner sources, even as traditional fossil fuels remain prevalent. Accounting for only 0.01% of the national capacity, Bison 4 contributes to the overall diversification of energy generation in the United States, which boasts a total capacity of 1,386,385 MW across 10,047 plants. Despite its modest share, Bison 4 Wind Energy Center plays a vital role in supporting the grid and enhancing energy security in the region. The facility not only generates renewable energy but also stimulates local economic growth through job creation and investment in green technologies. As the nation looks towards a sustainable future, the importance of facilities like Bison 4 cannot be overstated, serving as a beacon of progress in the quest for cleaner, more renewable energy solutions.