Wind energy helps boost economy
(By Jim Shield, Senior VP of Development, and Bryan Schueler, VP, Project Development via MorrisDailyHerald.com)
As a leading clean energy company and one of the five largest wind generators in the country, we have the incredible opportunity to help move the U.S. renewable energy industry forward in a time when we can and must do all we can to decrease our dependence on foreign sources of energy.
Our first wind energy project in Illinois, the Grand Ridge Energy Center in La Salle County, is currently expanding its capacity by over 110 megawatts –enough clean energy for 30,000 households. This is largely due to the hard work, vision and desire for a clean energy future of Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (IL-11). Congresswoman Halvorson was a strong supporter of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, under which our project is eligible for federal stimulus funds.
The courage of Congress to move boldly during a time when status quo energy solutions no longer work in our nation is applauded by all of us who understand the importance of renewable energy – not only today but for future generations.
With the abundance of wind power in the United States waiting to be harnessed into electricity that can meet our growing energy demands, Halvorson and other like-minded members of Congress know that wind development is also a boon to the economy and job creation.
In 2008, the wind industry invested $17 billion into the economy providing the ability to serve more than two million homes in the United States with clean energy. With 85,000 people employed in the industry at the end of 2008, we’ve already seen an increase of 35,000 jobs from the previous year.
According to a recent study by the Renewable Energy Policy Project, every 1000 MW of wind power developed creates a potential for 3000 jobs in manufacturing, 700 jobs in installation and 600 in operations and maintenance. The majority of these job opportunities are expected in the Great Lakes region, California and Texas.
With the wind development potential in Illinois, 11th District residents stand to reap good economic and job benefits from wind.
Again, thank you to Congresswoman Halvorson for believing in LaSalle County and Invenergy. Your support for a clean energy future and stimulus funding for the Grand Ridge project is truly appreciated.
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