VIEWPOINT | Clean energy bolsters South Dakota’s economy and workforce

Guest column by Waylon Brown

From the peaceful East River prairies to the majestic Black Hills, South Dakota is growing its clean energy economy in powerful ways. Through partnerships between local entities and the renewable energy industry, wind, solar, and battery projects have invested more than $7 billion into South Dakota’s economy, generating roughly $33.1 million in property, state, and local taxes each year. Today, the state ranks third in the nation for the share of all energy that comes from renewable energy, creating robust economic development opportunities for counties and rural communities.

Progress is just beginning. Earlier this year, South Dakota News Watch reported a growing interest in solar development throughout the state. More farmers are interested in harvesting the sun or wind and diversifying their operations. They’re seeing the success of new efforts, like the Wild Springs Solar project near New Underwood, which is expected to bring in $29.5 million in direct economic impact throughout its first 20 years of operation, 200 construction and operation jobs, and $12 million in new tax revenue. National Grid Renewables, the developing company, is partnering with the community to give $500,000 to local charities and efforts.

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