Wind energy push coming

Illinois is in an advantageous position to become a major producer of wind energy, reaping economic and environmental benefits, experts say.

"We think we have the competitive advantage to do that," said Philip Nelson, president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, speaking in Chicago this week.

Wind energy, a minor aspect of Illinois' energy industry so far, could become a major source of the state's electricity production.

Wind turbines under proposal in the state could increase annual electricity production from wind power to 79 million megawatt-hours, up from a current capacity of 3 million megawatt-hours, according to data from the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs and the American Wind Energy Association.

Wind energy now accounts for less than 1 percent of annual electricity production in Illinois. Wind turbines proposed for construction would increase that share to about 14 percent.

According to legislation passed this year by the Illinois General Assembly, 10 percent of the energy in the state must come from renewable sources by 2015, growing to 25 percent by 2025. Three-quarters of this renewable energy must come from wind turbines.

Illinois has the potential to do much better than that, said Randy Winter, professor of agricultural economics at Illinois State University in Normal.

According to Winter, Illinois has the three things necessary for being an excellent producer of wind energy: wind, demand for electricity and distribution capability.

Two-thirds of the state has the potential to support wind farms, Winter said. In addition, Illinois has a large consumer base for electricity in Chicago and the infrastructure to efficiently distribute energy produced by wind turbines.

"Those are the three pieces you've got to have to be successful," Winter said.

On the other hand, North Dakota, the state some say has the greatest wind energy potential, doesn't have the demand or the distribution system to support wind energy, Winter contends.

North Dakota tops the list of states with the greatest wind energy potential as compiled by the American Wind Energy Association. Illinois is number 16 on that list. In terms of states with the most current wind energy capacity, Illinois ranks 12.

Some opponents of wind energy argue wind turbines are eyesores, noisy and dangerous for wildlife because birds can fly into the turbines.

But Winter said the benefits of wind energy are diverse.

Wind turbines bring in tax money in the form of real estate taxes that support local economies. Horizon Wind Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Portuguese utility company Energias de Portugal SA, pays lease payments to landowners in McLean County for a wind farm located there.

Wind energy also attracts tourists who are drawn to the innovative technology.

"The majority of people think they're kind of neat," Winter said.

The most compelling aspect of wind energy, though, is that it produces energy without releasing greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

"Wind energy produces no emissions and that has got to be favorable," Winter said.