Key numbers about the wind energy industry

[June 19, 2010]  Everyone in Logan County is familiar with wind farms, but here are some important facts and statistics you might not be aware of.

• Illinois is currently fifth in the nation in wind energy, delivering 1863 megawatts of power to the grid.

• One megawatt of wind energy can provide power for 250-300 homes.

• Much of northern Illinois is connected to the PJM electric grid, which serves over 50 million people in 13 states, meaning we can create many more wind farms and always have a buyer for our production.

• The amount of wind power now in development in Illinois is 11,000 megawatts of power.

• An average 100 megawatt project creates 150 temporary jobs and 10 permanent maintenance jobs.

• Each megawatt of wind power constructed in Illinois provides $9,000-$13,000 per megawatt in property taxes.

• Each megawatt of wind power constructed in Illinois provides $3,000-$6,000 per megawatt to landowners.

[Text from file received]