Avangrid, a sustainable energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, has announced the construction of the Osagrove Flats wind farm. Located in La Salle County, it will be the company's fifth wind farm in Illinois and will feature 34 wind turbines with a total capacity of 153 MW.
“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. “We are excited to build on our more than 15-year history in Illinois with Osagrove Flats, which will bring jobs and additional investment to the local community.”
Osagrove Flats will produce more than 550,000 MWh of energy in a year, equivalent to the power used by about 50,000 US homes. Project construction is projected to create about 300 jobs, while long-term operations and maintenance will support several permanent jobs on site.
The farm is located near four other Avangrid wind farms operating in Illinois, including Streator Cayuga Ridge South, Midland, Otter Creek, and Providence Heights. Upon completion, it will help the company achieve a total installed renewable energy capacity of about 800 MW in Illinois.
Estimates predict that the wind farm will contribute more than $40 million in property taxes over the project's lifetime, which will directly support public services like education and fire protection.
Avangrid has provided direct financial support to the surrounding community, including a $15,000 donation to the Village of Dana, located near the project, to maintain ambulance service and renovate the town hall.
