Wind farm size to double (to 800 MW, IL)

[jpak]

http://www.register-mail.com/stories/011407/MAI_BC33B8UU.GID.shtml

GALESBURG - Plans for a local wind farm have doubled in size to a goal of 532 turbines, which would be one of the largest land-based wind farms in the world if it is completed.

Chicago-based Invenergy said it now seeks to place 266 wind turbines each in Knox and Henry counties. The alternative energy venture, called Bishop Hill Wind Energy Center, would be complete in three to five years, generating 800 megawatts of electricity, said Joel Link, director of business development for Invenergy.

The project would be completed in phases, likely 66 to 100 turbines per year. Over time, the potential investment could be up to $1.6 billion, he said. Construction is to begin this year in Henry County. The Knox County side of the project is a year behind Henry County.

"It's been one of the best projects for us in terms of local community, township official and landowner support," said Link, whose 6-year-old company has wind farms in several states and in Poland. "If we don't have a good partnership with the landowners, we don't have a good project."

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[madrchsod]

1. northern illinois (above i80) is also adding more mills

i think we will have over 200 in the next few years. that would make over 700 mills within a 150 in the northern part of illinois and central illinois is also building several very large wind farms.