A photo simulation submitted by NorthWestern Energy as part of its application to build a natural gas power plant just south of Aberdeen. (Image courtesy of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission)
ABERDEEN, S.D. (South Dakota Searchlight) – NorthWestern Energy wants to build another natural gas power plant just south of Aberdeen.
The proposed Hub City Energy Park would generate up to 131 megawatts of electricity at peak capacity, and is expected to operate at 15% to 25% of capacity annually, generating enough power for about 26,000 homes. The company’s 2025 annual report says the project is expected to cost $300 million.
The utility company applied to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission for a construction permit on Oct. 1. On Tuesday, the commission approved hiring outside consultants and appointing a local committee to help review NorthWestern’s proposal.
The plant would sit on 176 acres owned by the company, which has 65,600 electric customers in South Dakota. The site is near its existing natural gas plant, the Aberdeen Generating Station.
The new facility would use three natural-gas-fired turbines to generate electricity. The company says the project would help prevent power shortages and improve reliability for South Dakota consumers.
“The Aberdeen area was selected for the Project based on its (i) robust electric transmission infrastructure, (ii) proximity to a major natural gas interstate pipeline, (iii) proximity to existing NorthWestern facilities and (iv) anticipated minimal impacts on the surrounding communities and environment,” NorthWestern’s application says.
A map of the proposed site for NorthWestern Energy’s 131 megawatt natural gas power plant just south of Aberdeen. (Map courtesy of the Public Utilities Commission)
The company also plans to build a new natural gas pipeline connection stretching a few miles, but it has not yet selected a route. The company does not expect to need eminent domain, which is a legal way of forcing landowners to allow access if negotiations fail.
The plant will need an air quality permit from the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources. NorthWestern’s permit application to the Public Utilities Commission outlines plans for air-quality controls and says the project is expected to result in emissions below National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Construction could begin in late 2027 or early 2028, according to the company. The plant is expected to begin operating in 2030. The company’s application estimates the facility will employ six to 10 people.
Sioux Falls-based NorthWestern Energy is in the process of merging with Rapid City-based Black Hills Corp., creating Bright Horizon Energy, which would serve about 2.2 million electric and natural gas customers across eight states, according to the companies.
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