South Dakota
power plants.
South Dakota has 21 operating power plants in the catalog, 4,065 MW in all. The catalog also marks 1 plant as Retired, with 3 MW of capacity. Its operating fleet leans on hydro, which accounts for 43.7% of operating capacity, with natural gas second at 28%. The largest operating plant in the catalog is Oahe Hydroelectric Plant (786 MW, recorded start year 1962).
Source: Global Energy Monitor, Global Integrated Power Tracker, March 2026 release II. Catalog content date: .
Source: Global Energy Monitor, Global Integrated Power Tracker, March 2026 release II. Catalog content date: .
South Dakota electricity mix
Operating installed capacity by fuel. Each row gives megawatts and its share of the operating total.
Source: Global Energy Monitor, Global Integrated Power Tracker, March 2026 release II. Catalog content date: .
Largest plants in South Dakota
Source: Global Energy Monitor, Global Integrated Power Tracker, March 2026 release II. Catalog content date: .
Newest plants in South Dakota
This table includes 2 of the 3 operating plants with a recorded start year of 2009, largest first. The catalog records years, not full commissioning dates.
Source: Global Energy Monitor, Global Integrated Power Tracker, March 2026 release II. Catalog content date: .
Frequently asked questions
Where does South Dakota get its electricity?
Across the 21 operating plants in the catalog, capacity is led by hydro at 43.7%, then natural gas at 28%. These are installed-capacity shares, not live generation.
What is the largest power plant in South Dakota?
The largest operating plant in the catalog for South Dakota is Oahe Hydroelectric Plant, a hydro facility with 786 MW and a recorded start year of 1962.
How many power plants are in South Dakota?
The catalog tracks 21 operating power plants in South Dakota, with 4,065 MW in all. It also marks 1 plant as Retired, with 3 MW of capacity.