Firm considers 4th wind turbine
County gets part of income from electricity sold
Friday, November 2, 2007
MONMOUTH - A possible fourth wind turbine is being considered on Warren County's farm, County Board Chairman Bill Reichow said 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 definitely 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 Warren County Board about the idea.
The original three wind turbines 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 wind turbines.
"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 would do it or not at first until we did some surveys," said Cumberworth. "I sent some surveyors out and they convinced me we could."
Willis and Cumberworth agree that they don't foresee any problems getting the county board on board with a possible fourth wind turbine.
"Each tower means additional revenue to the county, to the taxing districts," Willis said. "That's what the partnership is all about is trying to increase capital investment and job creation in Warren County."
The county will get 3 percent of the income made from 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 additional turbine would not increase the scheduled construction time of the wind farm.
"The fourth turbine looks like a strong possibility," said Cumberworth.
