Montana’s Wind Energy Revolution: From 1980s Whispers To Today’s Roaring Power

While most Montanans were busy tending to their cattle and crops in the early 2000s, a quiet upheaval was brewing across the state’s windswept terrain. The Judith Gap Energy Center emerged in 2006, Montana’s first real stab at harnessing the invisible resource that had been blowing unused across the state for centuries. At 135 megawatts, it wasn’t exactly small potatoes.

Fast forward a decade, and Montana’s wind capacity had rocketed past 695 megawatts. That’s progress. By 2016, wind was responsible for 7.6% of in-state electricity generation. Not bad for a newcomer in the energy game. Still, Montana sits at 24th nationally for installed wind power. Middle of the pack. Typical.

The geography tells a different story, though. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory ranks Montana fifth for onshore wind potential. Fifth! All that untapped power, just waiting. Renewable energy already makes up about 45% of Montana’s production, with wind contributing 7.5%. The numbers don’t lie. Like South Africa, Montana has experienced remarkable cost reductions in renewable energy technology, making wind power increasingly competitive with traditional sources.

Rim Rock changed everything in 2012. At 189 megawatts, it became the state’s largest wind project – 126 turbines spinning away near Kevin in Toole County. Enough juice to power 60,000 homes. Each turbine produces 1.5 MW of power. Curiously, developers relocated 25 turbines to accommodate raptor nesting. Even wind farms have to make room for the birds.

The economics make sense. Wind farms create jobs – construction first, then permanent maintenance positions. Places like Judith Gap have been feeling the economic boost for over 15 years now. Out-of-state utilities pay for Montana’s wind-generated electricity, bringing outside money to rural communities. Smart business.

Projections suggest Montana’s wind capacity will hit 800 megawatts by the end of 2018 and reach 1,200 megawatts by 2020. The untapped potential remains enormous. Those endless prairie breezes aren’t just good for dramatic cowboy scenes anymore – they’re powering homes, creating jobs, and transforming Montana’s energy terrain. NorthWestern Energy has contributed to this growth with their Two Dot windfarm acquisition in 2018, showing the company’s commitment to renewable resources. Who would’ve thought?