“Avangrid has a long track record of successfully partnering with Illinois communities to build and operate wind farms, helping accelerate a clean energy transition in the state and across the country,” said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO.
The wind farm will produce more than 550,000 MWh of energy in a year, which is approximately the same amount of power used by about 50,000 U.S. homes.
Construction at Osagrove Flats is expected to create about 300 jobs. Long-term operations and maintenance will also support several permanent jobs on site. The wind farm is estimated to contribute more than $40 million in property taxes over the life of the project, which directly supports public services like education and fire protection.
Avangrid has also worked closely with the surrounding community, providing direct financial support in some cases.
"We have developed a tremendous relationship with Avangrid over the past several years and we are thrilled to see the Osagrove Flats wind farm coming to life," said Joe Centeno, president of the Village of Dana. "They have demonstrated time and again that they care about this community, and I look forward to seeing the lasting benefits this project will bring to our village, school district, and township."
Osagrove Flats is located near four other Avangrid wind farms operating in Illinois, including Streator Cayuga Ridge South, Midland, Otter Creek, and Providence Heights. When construction is complete, it will bring Avangrid’s total installed renewable energy capacity in Illinois to nearly 800 MW.
With 8.7 GW of installed renewable capacity, Avangrid is the third largest renewable energy operator in the U.S.
