The Ward County Commission approved Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s wind farm repowering project on Tuesday, July 7.

Basin Electric proposed repowering the 80 turbines that are part of the PrairieWinds 1 and Minot Wind projects south of Minot. Repowering includes installing new larger blades, a new hub gearbox, main shaft, a generator refurbishment and upgrades to the electrical controls, according to Basin Electric information.

The upgrades are designed to enable the wind turbines to produce more electricity at lower wind speeds.

The commission voted 4-1 to approve the project, with Commissioner Ron Merritt dissenting. The North Dakota Public Service Commission must also approve the project before it can be built.