Project at a Glance
Location: Stephenson County, Illinois
Collaborators: EcoEnergy, The Morse Group, ACCIONA Windpower
Completion: Summer 2009
Wind power: 100.5 MW capacity, using 67 ACCIONA Windpower 1.5 MW wind turbine generators
Projected CO2 emissions avoided: Approximately 176,000 tons annually
Local tidbit: Stephenson County was the site of the second Lincoln-Douglas Debate, August 27, 1858. A bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas sits on the famous debate site.
EcoGrove Wind Farm represents ACCIONA’s first renewable-energy project in the state of Illinois. Well known for its “Windy City,” Illinois currently ranks in the top 20 U.S. states for wind-energy potential.
Once completed, the EcoGrove Wind Farm will have the potential to deliver enough clean energy to power more than 25,000 U.S. homes.
The completed EcoGrove Wind Farm will create approximately 10 new permanent local jobs. As many as 125 people will be employed during the construction phase. Long-term lease agreements have been completed with more than 60 landowners or land trusts. Additionally, the EcoGrove Wind Farm will provide increased revenues for Stephenson County through investments in local infrastructure, lease agreements with local landowners and property tax revenues from the project over its lifetime.
Community and environmental sustainability
During the three-year site development phase, ACCIONA supported an extensive county permitting and review process. The company also conducted feasibility studies and presented those to the county. The first public meeting was held in Stephenson County in November 2006 when local communities were presented with the opportunity to review the wind farm maps and zoning applications, as well as pose questions regarding the results of feasibility studies. Subsequent public meetings have taken place in order to allow the public full disclosure of ACCIONA’s plans. In early 2007, the permitting process was completed and construction planning began in earnest.
"Stephenson County is very pleased with our growing partnership with ACCIONA Energy and The Morse Group. The planning and communication has greatly enhanced the awareness and acceptance of wind power in our county. We look forward to growing local relationships and economic opportunities through wind-energy development."
—John Blum, Stephenson County Board Chairman