Hopedale, IL. (Dec. 2019) – This year, EDP Renewables’ Rail Splitter Wind Farm is celebrating a decade of clean energy and contributions to the communities in Tazewell and Logan counties.

Since becoming operational in 2009, the wind farm has provided enough clean energy each year to power more than 37,000 Illinois homes. It saves more than 178 million gallons of water annually and mitigates the harmful effects of air pollutants from conventional sources of electricity.

The wind farm’s 4,900 square foot operations and maintenance building was built in downtown Hopedale and currently employs eight full-time staff.  The building was the company’s first U.S. Green Building Council LEED Silver project and was selected as a Green Building of America award winner. It also won the Building of the Year Award in the Commercial (under 5,000 SF) category by the National Frame Building Association, Inc.

The project has made significant economic contributions to Logan and Tazewell counties over the past 10 years by way of an estimated $7.1 million in cumulative payments to local governments and an initial capital investment of approximately $220 million. Since construction, Rail Splitter Wind Farm has also spent approximately $54.1 million within 50 miles of the project, much of which has gone to small businesses that provide goods and services to the wind farm.

“The wind farm has been a blessing to us,” said David Sinn, a farmer who owns land with a turbine in the wind farm. “The people we’ve worked with have been fabulous and bent over backwards to make sure we’re comfortable with this project. They wanted to be a part of the community.” 

The wind farm has also paid more than $11.6 million to local landowners through 2018. 

“The income we get from the wind farm has been excellent to help us with our farming operation. Just makes life a little easier,” explained Sinn. “It has been economically great for my family. It has been economically great for my local school districts.”

Between payments to landowners, local spending and community investment, the Rail Splitter Wind Farm and its staff have spent the past decade investing in Tazewell and Logan Counties⁠— and plan to continue doing so.

“We’re proud to have been a part of this community for the past 10 years,” said Andrew Ehrhardt, Rail Splitter Wind Farm Operations Manager. “It’s been incredible to get to know local residents and build so many great relationships, and we’re excited to see what the next 10 years hold.”

The Rail Splitter Wind Farm is part of EDP Renewables’ Illinois operations, which encompass five operating wind farms and two more currently under construction. With the addition of the two construction projects, slated to be operational in the coming months, EDP Renewables will operate more than 1,200 megawatts (MW) in the state.

About EDP Renewables North America

EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR NA) and its subsidiaries develop, construct, own, and operate wind farms and solar parks throughout North America. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with 49 wind farms, five solar parks, and 13 regional and development offices across North America, EDPR NA has developed more than 6,900 megawatts (MW) and operates more than 6,300 MW of renewable energy projects. EDPR NA is owned by EDP Renováveis, S.A. (EDPR).  For more information, visit www.edprnorthamerica.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
EDP Renewables North America
Blair Matocha, Communications Manager
blair.matocha@edpr.com
(713) 356-2415