New Report Shows Wind Power is Driving Critical Economic Growth in Illinois
The country’s top choice for new power significantly increased its role in Illinois in 2019, adding $1 billion in investments, millions in tax revenue for communities and farmers, and thousands of new jobs

[May 04, 2020]    The growth of wind power in Illinois leaped ahead in 2019 as growing demand drove critical economic growth and solidified wind’s role as a reliable and competitive energy source.

A new U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) shows how Illinois businesses, consumers, farmers, and local communities are benefiting from advancements in wind energy. Across the country, wind is creating jobs as the top choice for new power and Illinois is a national leader, adding $1 billion in investments, thousands of new jobs, and millions in tax revenue and land lease payments, proving to boost communities and farmers.

AWEA’s report reveals that Illinois is now generating 5,350 megawatts (MW) of wind energy, becoming the sixth state to surpass 5,000 MW and producing enough energy to power over 1.2 million homes. Wind power is driving growth as both the fastest growing energy source and cheapest source of new electrical generation in many states, and the local economy is responding. Power Up Illinois, a statewide coalition of pro-growth voices supporting an economic future through renewable energy, reacted to the report by citing the economic benefits felt at the local level that are critical in today’s environment.

Wind is not just powering Illinois’ communities and businesses. The emergence of wind power has created a ripple effect that is powering Illinois’ economy at record levels. Wind projects grew by $1 billion in private investment last year to reach $10.9 billion, while wind energy workforce levels grew to 8,000-9,000 jobs supported, making Illinois third in the country. State and local tax revenue from wind projects grew by $9 million to $49 million annually, and annual land lease payments more than doubled to $37 million, strengthening the bottom line of farmers across the state.

"State and federal leaders have made enormous progress in fixing Illinois' critical infrastructure. Wind energy projects provide additional private stimulus dollars to aid in these efforts," said Dane Simpson, Director of the Great Plains Laborers Employers Cooperation Education Trust (GP LECET).

"Wind farms generate $49 million in tax revenue every year. And each wind turbine in Illinois equals approximately 20 construction jobs. Those are well-paid jobs with benefits that sustain families and communities. Dollars earned during wind-farm construction return to pay mortgages and sustain grocery stores, car dealers, and strengthen local economies.”

Across the country, expanded innovation and development meant wind reached new heights in 2019 as America’s top choice for new power after building 9.1 gigawatts (GW), representing 39 percent of new utility-scale power additions. With these additions, operating wind power capacity in the U.S. now stands at over 105 GW, enough to power 32 million American homes.

To view the full report, please contact Robert Scott at robert@powerup illinois.org.

About Power Up Illinois

Power Up Illinois, an initiative of the American Wind Energy Association, is a coalition of pro-growth voices, community groups, and civic leaders supporting the value wind and renewable energy investments are creating for our communities. Power Up Illinois is working to secure our economic future by supporting new and sustainable investment from wind energy and helping Illinois continue to grow as a leader in the renewable manufacturing supply chain.

About the American Wind Energy Association

AWEA is the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry, the largest source of renewable energy in the country. We represent 1,000 member companies, 120,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, and a nationwide workforce located across all 50 states, AWEA serves as a powerful voice for how wind works for America. Members include global leaders in wind power and energy development, turbine manufacturing, and component and service suppliers. Visit AWEA’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits wind power brings to America and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

[Robert Scott
Executive Director
Power Up Illinois]