Sep. 22--As Duluth-based Minnesota Power increases its investments in North Dakota wind power, it has tapped Dave Schmitz to oversee its renewable energy efforts in the state.

Schmitz, a 61-year-old North Dakota native, is a registered professional engineer with a degree in mechanical engineering from North Dakota State University. Most recently, he was employed as a regional power program manager at HDR Engineering. He also worked more than 35 years at Basin Electric Power in a variety of roles, including vice president of engineering and construction.

Schmitz will go to work as Minnesota Power's new general manager of renewable operations Oct. 12. He will oversee the operation and maintenance of the 75-megawatt Bison 1 Wind Energy Center near Center, N.D. Minnesota Power plans to build the $180 million wind center in two phases, with half the turbines in place by December 2010 and the remainder installed by November 2011.

"Dave's experience involving large generation and transmission projects and his working knowledge of possible carbon capture technologies, combined with his ability to bring out the best in people, has resulted in his reputation for excellence among his industry peers and coworkers," Allete President Al Hodnik said in a news release. "His leadership style and expertise in business and project development will be an asset to the company as we expand our renewable energy operations in North Dakota."

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