In the past decade, South Dakota has seen tremendous job creation and capital investment in renewable energy.

Wind power has led the way by contributing more than $2 billion in direct capital investment and directly creating more than 500 new jobs. Those wind power jobs are in operations and maintenance, construction, manufacturing and many support sectors. In addition, wind projects produce lease payments for landowners and increase the tax base for local governments and school districts.

Wind power provides a secure, domestic and sustainable source of energy for our state and nation. On average, more than 25 percent of South Dakota's power generation comes from wind. Currently in South Dakota and around the globe, wind power is reducing electricity prices. Wind power works well with our baseload power resources such as hydroelectric, coal-fired and natural gas-fired plants. In fact, if the hydropower generated in South Dakota is included, we generate more than 75 percent of our power from renewables.

Dennis Daugaard

A diverse energy portfolio such as South Dakota's can help to protect against volatile prices and changing national and global policies.

South Dakota today has more than 980 megawatts of wind power capacity, enough energy to power more than 260,000 homes. However, our wide-open spaces have to potential to provide far more power for the citizens of our state and for those in the eastern United States that do not have a great wind resource.

South Dakota is ranked No. 3 in the nation for wind energy development potential, but it is ranked only No. 18 in installed wind power capacity. We have come a long way, but we have the opportunity to improve our rankings by continuing to grow this industry in South Dakota in the years to come.

This past year, I supported and signed a bill that provides a new incentive to develop solar power projects by taxing them similarly to how wind projects are taxed. This change makes South Dakota's tax system much more competitive with neighboring states that already have developed solar projects. Although our state's solar power potential is small in comparison to its wind power potential, I still believe we have room for solar development. Recently, I have been encouraged to learn about several solar power projects being developed now in South Dakota.

South Dakota has an excellent business environment, as indicated by numerous national rankings. Development of renewable energy will continue to play a crucial role in creating new jobs and growing the state's economy.

I will continue to promote the expansion of renewable energy, including South Dakota's excellent wind resource, within our state, given its many economic and environmental advantages. It needs to be part of South Dakota's contribution to the answer for our nation's future energy needs. I hope you can join me in supporting the development of more renewable energy in our state.

 

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