RAPID CITY, S.D. — Black Hills Energy, along with local leaders in Rapid City, broke ground yesterday on the new Lange II Generating Station, a $280 million facility intended to bolster the region’s energy infrastructure. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the official start of construction for the plant, located on Deadwood Avenue, which will provide a critical power source for customers in South Dakota and eastern Wyoming.
The Lange II facility will feature six Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE) capable of generating 99 megawatts of electricity. These units are designed to operate on both natural gas and diesel fuel, offering flexibility and reliability during periods of high energy demand. The project aims to enhance the resilience of the electric system and support the integration of renewable energy sources into Black Hills Energy’s system.
According to the company, the new generating station will replace other retiring units and is a key investment in the economic future of the Black Hills region. The facility is expected to be fully operational by mid-2026.
Linn Evans, president and CEO of Black Hills Energy, stated, “We are pleased to bring this important project to our hometown in Rapid City. Lange II is a critical investment in the region’s energy infrastructure and economic future and will serve as a cost-effective resource to safely and reliably power customers’ energy needs today and well into the future.”