AES’ Wibaux wind farm is a planned wind and energy storage facility in Wibaux County, Montana. The project will be located entirely on privately owned lands and energy storage facility about 1.5 miles west of the town of Wibaux, Montana.
The project will incorporate advanced wind generation technology and diversify the state’s energy resources. We are committed to responsible clean energy development that creates long-term positive impact for both the environment and local communities.
Project overview
235 MW wind generation capacity and 50 MW of BESS
Enough clean energy to power ~97,000 Montana homes annually
Wibaux, Montana
Project details
- The project is planning to connect to the power grid at the existing WAPA Mingusville substation.
- AES will be the long-term owner and operator of the project and plans to be a long-term community partner for decades to come
- During operations, the project's facilities will encompass 2-3% of total leased land, allowing for compatible ranching and farming.
Expected project timeline
| AES Development | 2020-2025 |
| Construction | 2025-2027 |
| Operations | 2027+ |
Economic and environmental benefits
We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that benefits both the environment and local communities.
235 MW of new, low-cost energy production capacity contributing to a more diversified power supply and resilient power grid for the state of Montana and beyond.
~$58 million in 30 years of property taxes and >35% increase in local property taxes in the first year of operation expected to be generated in new, local tax revenue for county, town and local schools over the life of the project.
Up to 200 jobs expected to be created during peak construction, and up to 5 permanent operations jobs
Environmental and technical studies
We conduct a series of studies prior to construction to ensure our projects are developed responsibly, some of which include:
- Avian use surveys
- Eagle use surveys
- Raptor nest surveys
- Grouse lek surveys
- Bat habitat assessment and surveys
- Cultural resource surveys
Wibaux wind farm in the news
"What’s happening with the Wibaux Wind Farm Project?"
Community impact
At AES, we understand that our success as a company is only as strong as our partnerships with the communities where we operate. That’s why we partner with communities, customers, state agencies, higher education, elected officials, and other key stakeholders to see how we can best work together to support sustainable social and economic development.
AES is growing in Montana and we’re looking to partner with communities to ensure this project delivers broadly shared benefits to the local communities. We’re always on the hunt for local partners, so if you know of community initiatives needing support, please reach out to us!
Building New Mexico’s clean energy workforce with Sante Fe YouthWorks
AES has partnered with Sante Fe-based nonprofit, YouthWorks, and donated funds that will allow 10 students to attend solar installation training courses to prepare them for the PV Associates exam and a career in the renewable energy industry. Since 2001, YouthWorks has served thousands of youth while expanding youth development opportunities that include youth advocacy, high-impact interventions, alternative education, and employment connections for young people.
Supporting STEM education with Willowbend Environmental Education Center in Arizona
AES has partnered with Willowbend since 2021 to support its STEM curriculum. Willowbend engages K-12 students, encouraging outside learning and interactive STEM programming. AES also sponsors schools’ transportation to participate in the Arizona state KidWind Challenge, giving students from all areas of the state a chance to show off their engineering talents in creative and innovative competitions.
Conserving ecologically and culturally significant lands with Trust for Public Lands
AES has partnered with Trust for Public Lands to help conserve up to 80,000 acres of unique grasslands east of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The lands include the historic Bohart Ranch and this program will protect the space from development while allowing the area to be used for recreation and research.
Community partners
- Wibaux Chamber of Commerce
- EPEDC
Meet your AES team
Rob Gardner
AES Wind Development
Mike Berg
AES Wind Development