Nestled in LaMoure County, Edgeley has transformed from a quiet farming community into North Dakota’s renewable energy pioneer. This small town made history in 2003 when it became home to the state’s first commercial wind farms. Today, Edgeley’s spinning turbines have become both landmarks and symbols of the region’s commitment to clean energy innovation.
Pioneering Wind Energy History
Back in 2003, Edgeley made state history when the Edgeley/Kulm Wind Energy Center broke ground as North Dakota’s first major wind power venture. Developed through a partnership between Florida Power & Light and Basin Electric, this groundbreaking 21-megawatt project signaled a new era for the state.
The project’s success sparked immediate growth. That same year, construction began on the 40-megawatt North Dakota Wind Energy Center I just west of town, followed quickly by North Dakota Wind Energy Center II with its additional 14 turbines.
Impressive Technical Capacity
Rising majestically across the prairie landscape, Edgeley’s combined wind facilities pack serious power. The FPL Energy North Dakota Wind I/II complex features 41 General Electric turbines, each standing taller than a 20-story building.
Collectively, these gentle giants deliver 61.5 megawatts of nameplate capacity. Most remarkably, this substantial operation requires minimal staffing—just six local workers manage the entire facility through Edgeley’s FPL Energy office, creating sustainable, skilled jobs in this rural community.
Economic Windfall for Local Communities
The spinning blades above Edgeley have generated more than just electricity—they’ve powered economic growth. The initial construction phase alone injected over $60 million into the regional economy while creating approximately 100 jobs.
Direct community benefits continue flowing. Edgeley, alongside neighboring Kulm and Ellendale, received $125,000 each from NextEra Energy as part of community benefit payments tied to nearby wind projects.
These financial boosts support essential services while strengthening local infrastructure and enhancing quality of life.
Agricultural Partnership Success
Family farms surrounding Edgeley have discovered an unexpected second harvest—energy. Landowners who lease acreage for turbines earn steady income while continuing traditional farming operations around the turbine footprints.
A typical wind turbine requires just a half-acre of land, allowing crops to grow right up to the base. For many multi-generational farm families, these lease payments provide financial stability during agricultural market fluctuations.
This harmonious relationship between agriculture and renewable energy has become a model for rural communities nationwide.
Blueprint for Rural Energy Transition
Edgeley’s wind energy success story has rippled across the Midwest, inspiring dozens of similar projects. When visitors tour the facilities, they witness more than turbines—they see a community that embraced innovation while honoring its agricultural heritage.
Local schools now incorporate renewable energy education into their curriculum. Students grow up understanding both traditional farming and cutting-edge energy production.
This forward-thinking approach has positioned Edgeley as a case study for how rural America can thrive in a changing energy landscape.
