Wind Farm Viability in Illinois

In Illinois, there are very few areas where class 3 or higher wind energy potential (necessary for viable use of wind farms) is estimated. For example,  the uplands of west-central Illinois from Quincy to Springfield are estimated to reach class 3 annual average wind power, demonstrating a slightly higher wind energy potential than other inland areas of Illinois. Long-term data from the Springfield Airport gave the highest annual average wind power of any airport site in Illinois.

The map below, provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, demonstrates Illinois' minimal ability to support wind farms. Most of the state is rated poor, marginal, or fair - none of which supports the tremendous time and expense involved in building and maintaining wind farms. Only the few, small areas in pink are noted as good for wind farms.

Protect Illinois' Environment strongly advocates renewable energy - but where it makes sense to make the investment, not where it soothes the conscience of politicians and fills the pockets of wind farm companies at the expense of the environment and the people who must live with these intrusive installations.

In contrast, take a look at the U.S. Department of Energy's wind map for other states in the union - states such as North and South Dakota, and Wyoming and Washington, to name a few. Why aren't we concentrating our efforts where they'll do the most good - spending our tax dollars and tax-subsidized efforts where we'll get the most bang for our buck? What is it that draws industrial wind energy companies to Illinois? To parts of Illinois where wind farms make no sense at all? Does it have anything to do with the only area in Illinois that might make sense to have a wind farm is in prime country near our state capital? Do our politicians want wind energy as long as it's not in their back yard? Does it have anything to do with who's getting the benefit from this boondoggle?