Jul 16 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Bob Holliday The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.


A new Illinois State University study shows wind energy is a powerful force in Illinois.

It's projected to generate nearly $2 billion in economic benefits to the state over the next 25 years, with about $500 million of that in McLean County.

The findings, outlined at a Wednesday press conference at the Interstate Center, indicate benefits include jobs, taxes and landowner payments for wind farm development. One expert said wind energy may be the thing needed to boost the sagging economy.

David Loomis, director of ISU's Center for Renewable Energy, which did the study, said direct and indirect benefits from 17 major wind projects in Illinois were examined. The projects studied included the Twin Groves Wind Farms in McLean County, the Rail Splitter Wind Farm in Logan and Tazewell counties, as well as the Grand Ridge Wind Farm in LaSalle County.

Loomis, also an economics professor, said the projects generate $11.4 million in annual property taxes and $4.36 million per year in extra income for landowners leasing their land.

During their construction, wind projects in Illinois created 6,019 full-time construction jobs with a total payroll of more than $306 million. Now operational, they support 292 permanent jobs with a total annual payroll of more than $15 million, the study showed.

"At a time when we are looking for employment to stimulate economic growth, this can be a major boost to the state and local economies," Loomis said.

Loomis expects more wind farms statewide and in Central Illinois. Construction on a 100-turbine wind farm in the Carlock area is expected to start later this year and there are plans for more wind turbines in Livingston and Woodford counties.

In addition to the economic benefits, Loomis said wind power is "clean energy and a domestic source of power."

McLean County is a good location for wind farms because there are strong winds, community support for wind power and good access to an electrical grid to market the power, said Caton Fenz, project manager for Horizon.

HARVESTING THE WIND

-- The wind energy industry in Illinois is projected to generate $1.9 billion in economic benefits over the next 25 years.

-- Seventeen major wind development projects in Illinois created 6,019 full-time equivalent jobs during construction, with a total payroll of more than $306 million.

-- Wind energy projects benefit local economies by generating $11.4 million in annual property taxes and $4.36 million per year in extra income for Illinois landowners who lease their land to wind farm developers.

-- As of March 31, Illinois ranked 10th in the U.S. in existing wind-powered generating capacity.

SOURCE: Center for Renewable Energy at ISU