Dwight, IL (Dec. 27, 2019) – EDP Renewables’ Top Crop Wind Farm is celebrating its 10th anniversary in operation. For the past decade, the wind farm’s two phases have provided clean energy, economic benefits, and support to communities in Grundy and LaSalle counties.

Since becoming operational in 2009, payments from Top Crop Wind Farm have become an important new commodity for farmers in the area. Farmers who leased their land to the wind farm have received more than $30 million in cumulative payments—an average of more than $3 million per year since the wind farm became operational.

“The income from the wind farm is very stable,” explained John Dollinger, whose family has been farming in the area since the mid-1850s. “Actually, a lot of the income we receive from our wind towers has gone back into the land so it’s improved our farmland so we can grow more corn and soybeans.”

In addition to supporting local farmers through the ups and downs of agriculture, Top Crop Wind Farm has improved the regional environment by producing electricity without any air or water pollution. The wind farm provides enough clean energy to power approximately 110,000 average Illinois homes each year and saves more than 533 million gallons of water annually that would otherwise be used to cool conventional power plants.

The wind farm has also made significant economic contributions to Grundy and LaSalle counties by supporting local businesses, funding schools and roads, and creating more than a dozen permanent jobs at its operations and maintenance building located in Dwight. Top Crop Wind Farm pays more than $2 million per year in local taxes, much of which funds area schools and road improvement projects. A number of businesses also benefit from the wind farm, which has spent approximately $90 million within 50 miles since construction began.

“I am a farmer and we also work for EDP Renewables. We do mowing and spraying for Top Crop Wind Farm,” said Tim Emm of Ransom. “My favorite part about working with EDP has been the extra money it has generated. Farming is tough for us right now and it’s been a great opportunity.”

EDP Renewables’ wind farm staff, which consists of 20 full-time employees, are involved in the community near Top Crop. One employee helped start the Dwight Farm to School program, which provides healthy food to students by teaching them how to maintain a school vegetable garden. The wind farm continues to donate $1,000 annually to keep the program going. And each year in May, the wind farm opens its doors to dozens of elementary school students to tour the facilities, meet with wind technicians and learn about wind power through hands-on activities. 

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done with Top Crop and in the surrounding community,” said Andrew Ehrhardt, Top Crop Wind Farm Operations Manager. “We’re looking forward to many more years of clean energy and continuing to be a positive part of things around here.”

Top Crop 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