Batavia, Geneva look to harness wind through $30 million project
Batavia and Geneva officials are studying whether to buy into a proposed $30 million wind energy project as a way to harness renewable energy.
“We are taking a serious look at the opportunity,” Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns said. “We think it certainly has merit. We want to take a look at the economics involved.”
The idea is being spearheaded by the Rochelle-based Northern Illinois Municipal Power Agency. Batavia, Geneva and Rochelle are the three members in the agency.
NIMPA recently hosted an open house and presentation on the project. As proposed, eight turbines generating 12 megawatts of electricity would be built on farmland four miles of Rochelle.
The project would not actually generate any electricity for Batavia or Geneva.
“We are not powering houses or businesses by participating in the Eagle View project,” Burns said.
But through their participation, both communities would provide more green energy to the electric grid and would receive renewable energy credits, he said.
Batavia Public Works Director Gary Holm said city officials would have to carefully consider the idea, especially given the sluggish economy.
“It is our intent to invest in other energy sources like wind energy,” Holm said. “But is now the time, or should we wait until things get better with the economy?”
Both Batavia and Geneva operate their own electric utilities.
The exact costs to each community are not yet known.
“Each community can buy into it at whatever level they wanted to buy into it,” Holm said.
Holm said the technology of wind turbines has been refined to reduce the danger to birds.
“Modern turbines have less impact on bird populations,” he said. “They spin at a lower rate, and it is easier for birds to see the wind blades. They can fly around them.”
By ERIC SCHELKOPF
The Chronicle
13 October 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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