November 1, 2007
Illinois
Illinois
MONMOUTH – A possible fourth windmill is being considered on Warren County’s farm, according to Bill Reichow at Tuesday’s finance committee meeting.
Jolene Willis, executive director of Western Illinois Economic Development Partnership, said that Clean Energy Concepts informed her of the possibility last week after they measured the usable land and winds.
“Once they finally were able to get on site and really do the measuring they told me they could do four,” said Willis. “It’s always better to hedge conservatively than take away, so we’re defiantly pleased they’ll be able to put in four rather than three.”
After she found out, she said she then spoke with several members of the county board about the idea.
The original three windmills planned will go on the west parcel of the designated area on the county’s farm, while the possible fourth would go on the smaller, east parcel. A farm road would separate the group of windmills.
“Initial estimates are coming in that they can put in four,” said Willis. “Things in the wind industry change almost by the minute, so as far as why the county wasn’t told four to begin with, I think the company was trying to be conservative.”
Matt Cumberworth, managing director of Clean Energy Concepts LLC, said that he wasn’t sure if four would fit originally.
“I didn’t know if we woulc do it or not at first until we did some surveys,” said Cumberworth. “I sent some surveyor out and they convinced me we could.”
Both Willis and Cumberworth agree that they don’t forsee any problems getting the county board on board with a possible fourth windmill.
“Each tower means additional revenue to the county, to the taxing districts,” “That’s what the partnership is all about is trying to increase capital investment and job creation in Warren County.”
Warren County Board Chairman Bill Reichow agreed that he didn’t think the board would find any problems with a fourth windmill.
“That enthusiasm for that is mine,” said Reichow, “but most people are very much in tune for that project and for the potential income for the county.”
The county will make three percent of the income made off of the power the wind farm will produce. Each turbine model planned for the farm, which produces 2.5 megawatts, can power approximately 1,100 homes.
The additionally turbine would not increase the scheduled construction time of the wind farm.
“The fourth turbine looks like a strong possibility,” said Cumberworth.
By Stephen Geinosky/Staff Reporter
1 November 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/11/01/fourth-windmill-is-on-the-table/