Leeward Renewable Energy’s GSG Wind Project built 26 new turbines and recycled 100% of decommissioned wind turbines, adding numerous clean energy jobs in Illinois. The GSG Wind project, which stretches across 3,000 acres near West Brooklyn, Illinois, became commercially operational in 2007. Illinois Representative Darin LaHood recently visited the site to meet with local farmers and discuss the economic benefits of clean wind power.
There are currently 33 operating clean energy manufacturing facilities across the Land of Lincoln. Each is an essential component in the state’s clean energy economy, supporting jobs for more than 16,000 Illinois residents.
Photo Courtesy ACP
“Clean energy projects generate $135 million annually for Illinois’ communities,” Erika Kowall, American Clean Power Association director, midwestern state affairs, said in a press release. “This revenue helps build a resilient economy.”
A report published by the American Clean Power Association (ACP) states that 14% of electricity in Illinois comes from wind and solar.
The private sector has already invested $18 billion in Illinois utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects.
“Wind energy projects benefit our local economies in Illinois,” LaHood said on X (formerly Twitter). “As a supporter of an all-of-the-above energy approach, I’ll continue to advocate for wind and renewable energy solutions that strengthen our region.”
Photo Courtesy ACP
During the tour, LaHood talked to landowners, farmers, and clean energy workers about the crucial role they play in the American clean economy. Farmers are particularly important, as they can lease their land for turbines.
Both LaHood and Leeward offered information on how these types of clean energy jobs help farmers financially, create new jobs with strong benefits, improve power grid reliability, and secure future investment in Illinois.
According to Leeward Renewable Energy, the GSG Wind repowering created about 180 jobs at peak construction and will provide long-term clean energy jobs in Lee and LaSalle Counties.
“The GSG Wind repowering is a perfect example of our ability to produce a greater volume of clean energy with a much smaller footprint, as well as our commitment to being a good steward of the land, environment, and community,” Jason Allen, Leeward Renewable Energy’s CEO, said in a press release.
Leeward’s Lee and LaSalle County properties are a part of this ongoing investment. During the recent repowering of its GSG Wind project, Leeward shut down 40 wind turbines and constructed 26 new turbines, which generate 50% more clean energy and have a smaller footprint. Recycling the old turbines kept more than 600 tons of metal and fiberglass from public landfills. Verizon Communications has committed to a contract to use energy from the newly revitalized project.
Photo Courtesy American Clean Power Association
“We are impressed by the innovative approach to the repowering of GSG Wind, which will help further our commitments to protecting our planet and enabling a sustainable energy transition in the United States,” said Jim Gowen, Verizon senior vice president of global supply chain and sourcing and chief sustainability officer.
Large-scale clean energy projects like Leeward’s wind project in Illinois are vital to moving the United States toward its net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 goal. According to the ACP report, by 2030, Illinois alone will add 4,500 megawatts of solar, 5,400 megawatts of land-based wind power, and 3,800 megawatts of battery storage to its grid.
