As many as 45,000 homes are powered by a wind farm located in the US state at the geographic center of North America, whose senator called it "truly … the Saudi Arabia of wind energy potential" earlier this week.

The Rugby Wind Power Project, whose 71 wind turbines generate 149 megawatts of clean, renewable energy, is in Pierce County, North Dakota. Dedicated earlier this week, the wind farm is the most recent to go live in North Dakota.

"The new wind farm in Rugby is important to our local economy and our nation’s energy independence," Senator Byron Dorgan said, noting his efforts in support of the country's progress. "North Dakota truly is the Saudi Arabia of wind energy potential, and the growth we're seeing in wind energy in North Dakota means more jobs creation, economic development and a cleaner environment."

At its peak, the project employed more than 250 construction workers. The project employs 17 full-time employees and it'll annually contribute about $2 million via landowner lease payments and property taxes.

"The development and construction phase of the wind power project has had a very positive economic impact to Pierce County and the City of Rugby," said Brenda Foster, Rugby Job Development Authority executive director. "Our city and county community leaders are always looking for additional ways to sustain and grow our community, and adding wind power to our agricultural, manufacturing and service industry mix provides for a more diverse and sustainable economy for our county and community."