North Dakota’s wind energy potential is enormous.  Some estimates show that North Dakota has more wind energy potential than any other state in the nation.  The trouble is, we don’t have enough transmission lines to export the wind energy as effectively as we would like.

 I was pleased this morning to see that Otter Tail Power Company and Minnkota Power Cooperative are looking at working together to build a transmission line.  Granted, it’s only across part of the state in North Dakota, but it’s a step towards filling the needs of more metropolitan areas as well as a step towards more energy exportation.

The transmission line would run 60 miles from Luverne, North Dakota to West Fargo.  According to the article linked to above, it is needed to carry power from proposed wind energy projects in Barnes, Steele and Griggs counties. 

The two companies have worked together in the past.  If all goes well, the outlet could be approved, built and running by the end of 2008.