Wind energy is becoming a hot topic across the state, and the Illinois Commerce Commission said its growth has provided benefits from stabilizing energy costs to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and making the power grid more resilient.
Still, many challenges lie ahead, panelists said during a policy session last week.
The most significant issue is limitations companies face when trying to establish new wind farms. The necessity of using existing infrastructure to transport
energy produced limits the available areas for wind farm projects.
“Wind energy is one of the fastest growing sources of renewable energy in the United States and, in 2017, provided more than 6 percent of Illinois’ electric generation,” acting Illinois Commerce Commission Commissioner Anastasia Palivos said. “The state still has more wind power potential and about 600 megawatts of additional capacity is either under construction or in advanced development.”
As the energy sector moves to include more wind power, panelists said that could include the expansion of infrastructure.
In addition to discussions on the possibility and limitations for wind farms, members also discussed how wind farms create tax revenue for communities, create jobs, and lower property taxes, as well as provide economic development dollars.
Illinois’ revised Renewable Portfolio Standard calls for 25 percent of the state’s energy to be generated from renewable resources by 2025, of which 75 percent must come from wind and solar, said Elizabeth McErlean, an associate for Steptoe & Johnson LLP.
