The Storm Lake I and Storm Lake II wind farms are still on track for a major redevelopment, but ALLETE Clean Energy now expects the project to begin producing electricity in 2028 — roughly a year later than previously planned.
Jim Moran, an ALLETE Clean Energy project manager, gave the Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors an update on the project Tuesday morning.
Moran says the schedule has shifted, with most major construction now expected to take place in 2028. He says some work could begin late next year.
Moran says work behind the scenes has continued despite the schedule change.
Some major electrical equipment has already been ordered. The project’s main power transformers have been completed and are currently being stored in Memphis, while high-voltage breakers are scheduled to be manufactured next year, with delivery expected in June 2027.
ALLETE — an independent power producer and supplier based in Duluth, Minn. — also plans to conduct below-ground investigations later this fall, once crops are out of the fields.
Moran says those investigations will take place at proposed turbine locations, the substations and some collection system sites, with the company coordinating the work with affected landowners.
And Moran says some limited construction is expected to begin this fall at the project’s two substations.
The county’s zoning permits for the project were approved in September 2025.
During Tuesday’s discussion, county officials noted the permits are generally valid for two years as long as construction has commenced. The board and Moran discussed whether construction of the substation foundations would satisfy that requirement.
The redevelopment will dramatically reduce the number of turbines in the two wind farms.
ALLETE is still evaluating turbine suppliers, but Moran says the company is currently looking at between 45 and 53 new turbines. The project previously received county approval for up to 59 potential turbine locations, allowing ALLETE to choose among sites as engineering and site investigations continue.
Moran says the company has alternate locations available if the fall investigations determine that a particular turbine site would be too costly or difficult to develop.
The existing turbines will be removed as the redevelopment moves forward.
Moran says removal and new construction will overlap, rather than waiting until the entire new project is operating. Some turbines will have to come down to make room for new roads and underground electrical collection infrastructure, while others could remain in operation during portions of construction.
ALLETE also plans to install two meteorological towers equipped with anemometers as part of the redevelopment.
The Storm Lake I and Storm Lake II wind farms have been operating in the Alta area for decades. ALLETE Clean Energy acquired the facilities in 2014. The company lists Storm Lake I at 108 megawatts and Storm Lake II at 77 megawatts.
Moran also told supervisors ALLETE is currently looking for a purchaser for the electricity that will be generated by the redeveloped project.
He says the company is also planning a community donation this year and is seeking suggestions for local nonprofit organizations that could benefit. Moran said fire departments, ambulance services and food banks are among the types of organizations ALLETE likes to support.
