 The project has several dimensions that hold significant impact for
the county, including revenues from building permits and annual
property taxes. Once the wind farm is built, local schools would
benefit appreciably also.County budgeters are now determining how
to pay for $1.1 million to $1.5 million in court costs expected next
year in connection with the Gee family murders. The wind farm
project also affects road planning. So the timing is of great
interest.
The wind farm that would be located west of Lincoln plans for 110
wind generators that would produce 2 megawatts each in the first
phase.
A second farm is planned farther south in Logan County, west of
Elkhart, and a third farm is planned south of that in Sangamon
County. Those projects have not reached the zoning approval process
yet, but are in land agreement and planning processes.
This week, Sugar Creek One project manager Stan Komperda had some
big news to announce: "We just signed our generator connection
agreement." The agreement signed with Ameren is a huge step that
will bring infrastructure that connects the substations to the main
grid.
One factor in how soon the project might move forward has to do
with a federal assistance program. The developers have had their eye
on the renewal of a production tax credit that is due to expire.
That program's renewal is essential to renewable energy sources.
Other utility energy producers are significantly underwritten by the
government as well.
During this presidential election year the focus has been on
cutting spending, but the tax credit is expected to pass. Federal
and state governments are committed to the future of renewable
energy.
Komperda pointed out strength in wind production's favor.
Currently, wind energy is one of the few industries that can
directly create jobs and bring money locally into rural areas.
Some of the delay in the development process could be attributed
to the economy. Piggybacked on the poor economy that began back in
2008, there has been a decreased power demand and the market went
down.
However, Komperda is confident about the near future. "These
things can change pretty quick," he said.
Plus, any sign of inflation puts wind energy to the forefront, as
it is the only energy that contracts a fixed price for 10 or 20
years. "Other energy sources have inflation built into their
contracts," Komperda said.
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Additionally, wind offers to fill the gap created by the loss of
coal energy production. Illinois has plans to begin shutting down
coal plants that are heavy polluters. Already targeted are two near
Chicago, Meredosia and near Danville. Most of the states to the east
have similar plans, including neighboring Ohio and Indiana. The
eastern states have already announced that they will use natural gas
and wind to make up for the energy production losses.
While western Logan County is ripe with wind energy potential,
the electrical grid and transmission infrastructure were near
capacity after the completion of the Rail Splitter Wind Farm. These
issues needed to be addressed for further electrical production.
Komperda said there are now agreements with Ameren for grid
upgrades to our area. And, a private developer would install a
transmission line running between Bloomington and Lincoln. The line
is coming out of Indiana.
Everything considered, Komperda said, "I really think that
central Illinois is going to be the hot spot for wind."
While waiting on a new production tax credit to pass Congress,
there is still plenty to do to be ready to go. Komperda said they
are working with landowners on rights of way for the new electrical
infrastructure, continuing to gather met tower information and
working on some of the remaining permits. And, a bird study was just
recently completed.
Now with a 2014 time frame for construction, Komperda said: "Our
project is progressing really well."
[By
JAN YOUNGQUIST]
Company website
for Sugar Creek One project:
http://www.awem.org/awemprojects_sugarcreek.htm
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