AES’ Sundog Solar project is a planned solar facility in Bowman County, North Dakota. We are committed to responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities.
Project overview
250 MW solar
Enough clean energy to power 44,000 North Dakota homes annually
Bowman County, North Dakota
Project details
- 1,600 acres of privately-held land, equivalent to 0.22% of farmable land in Bowman County, ND
- Slope Electric Cooperative customers will receive clean energy produced by the project
- AES will be the long-term owner and operator of the facility
- At the end of the project's life, a decommissioning plan allows for the land to return to agricultural use or other uses consistent with land-use policies at the time
Proposed project timeline
Economic and environmental benefits
We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that benefits both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure.
536,500 MWh
Carbon-free electricity generated each year, improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions
This project is expected to bring capital investment and tax revenue into Bowman County.
This project is expected to generate hundreds of jobs during peak construction as well as several full-time operations jobs in Bowman County.
Clean energy benefits local communities
- Long-term tax revenue to counties, towns and school districts
- Job creation during construction and operation
- Landowner income diversification, keeping land in the family
- Local economic stimulus during construction
- Affordable, reliable, locally produced clean energy
- Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions
- Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits
- Non-permanent development and low-impact construction that ensures land can be sensitively restored to pre-project conditions at the end of the project’s life
Best practices in responsible and sustainable development
At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we’ve focused on improving lives for more than 40 years. As a leading innovator in energy solutions, sustainability is core to both our strategy and our culture. We are committed to responsible land use and incorporating sustainable best practices into the entire project lifecycle, contributing to building a domestic circular renewables economy and reducing foreign dependence.
Environmental and technical studies
We conduct a series of studies that ensure our projects are thoughtfully and responsibly designed.
- ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey
- Preliminary Geotechnical Report
- Critical Issues Analysis
- Cultural Resources Survey (In progress — report not yet final)
- Hydrology Report
- Biological Report
- Grassland Assessment
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
- Wetland Delineation
Partnering with communities for the future of energy
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.
Helping restore Michigan’s wetlands
AES has partnered with Outdoor Discovery Center, a western Michigan non-profit. Outdoor Discovery Center aims to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan. With AES’s donation, Outdoor Discovery Center is beginning the process of restoring native wetlands near their headquarters in Holland, MI.
Working with KidWind to support local teachers
AES has partnered with KidWind, a non-profit aimed at helping teachers bring wind and solar power to life in the classroom. AES sponsored 6 teachers from Michigan and Louisiana to attend national KidWind training for their upcoming school years. These teachers are trained and given the supplies necessary to integrate the STEM curriculums into their classrooms at home. Additionally, AES works to hold local events at project sites across the Midwest showing kids the wonders of solar and wind energy up close.
Dual-use solutions in Massachusetts
AES worked with the US Department of Energy Solar Technology Office to create a dual-use solar project that also accommodates cattle grazing and crops. Dual use opportunities are important to AES as we look at how to evolve solar facility design to boost agricultural production opportunities.
AES is a proud member and partner of
- Bowman Chamber of Commerce
Meet your AES team
For each team member, please provide the below. The project team typically includes a development manager, permitting SME, and stakeholder relations manager.
Patrick Walsh
Development Manager
Katie Haarsager
Stakeholder Relations Manager
Megan Lisburg
Permitting Manager
Contact us
We want to hear from you! We appreciate your interest in AES’ Sundog solar project.
Phone number: 847-507-2830
Email: NDStakeholderrelations@aes.com