The Power of the Prairie
An in-depth exploration of the Mendota Hills Wind Farm, Illinois' pioneering utility-scale wind energy project, detailing its history, technology, and impact.
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Overview
A Landmark in Renewable Energy
The Mendota Hills Wind Farm stands as a significant contributor to renewable energy generation in Illinois. Located in Lee County, near the village of Paw Paw, it was the first utility-scale wind farm in the state. This project represents a crucial step in harnessing wind power for widespread energy consumption.
Strategic Location
Situated across approximately 2,200 acres (890 hectares) of Lee County farmland, the wind farm benefits from its proximity to Interstate 39. This strategic placement facilitates logistics during construction and maintenance, while also making the turbines visible symbols of sustainable energy infrastructure.
Powering Communities
The energy produced by the Mendota Hills Wind Farm is substantial. Annually, it generates approximately 110 million kilowatt-hours, enough to power around 13,000 homes. This output underscores the farm's role in providing clean, sustainable electricity to local communities and beyond.
Farm Description
Turbine Technology
The wind farm currently operates 29 advanced wind turbines. These turbines are designed for efficient energy capture and have a significant presence, each standing 214 feet (65.23 meters) tall with three long blades, each measuring 85 feet (35.91 meters).
Capacity and Output
Following a repowering initiative in 2019, the Mendota Hills Wind Farm boasts a total nameplate capacity of 76.2 megawatts. This upgrade increased the farm's efficiency and power generation capabilities, solidifying its position as a key energy producer.
Ownership and Operation
Originally developed by Navitas Energy, the Mendota Hills Wind Farm is now owned and operated by Leeward Renewable Energy. The energy generated is sold to Commonwealth Edison, ensuring a reliable supply of renewable power to the grid.
Project History
Genesis and Development
The journey of the Mendota Hills Wind Farm began in the spring of 2002 when landowners were first approached regarding the potential for wind energy development. Prior to this, wind metering had been conducted in the area for two years to assess its viability. The project required extensive environmental and archaeological assessments before gaining approval from the Lee County Zoning Board.
Evolution and Repowering
Initially, the farm comprised 63 Gamesa G52-800 kW wind turbines. However, in 2019, a significant repowering project was undertaken. This involved reducing the number of turbines to 29 while simultaneously upgrading to more powerful Siemens Gamesa G126 turbines, increasing the total nameplate capacity to 76.2 MW.
Technical Specifications
Location Details
Country: USA
Location: Paw Paw, Illinois
Coordinates: 41°43′27.4″N 89°2′51.8″W
Performance Metrics
Status: Active
Commission Date: November 24, 2003
Type: Onshore Wind Farm
Units Operational: 29 x 2.625 MW (approx.)
Capacity & Output
Make and Model: Siemens Gamesa G126
Nameplate Capacity: 76.2 MW
Storage Capacity: 76 MW
Annual Production: ~110 million kWh
Homes Powered: ~13,000
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional energy sector advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding renewable energy projects, engineering, or regulatory matters. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.