Invenergy Announces Commercial Operations of California Ridge Wind Project in Illinois
CHICAGO, IL (December 26, 2012) – Invenergy Wind LLC (“Invenergy”) today announced the completion of construction, and the start of full commercial operations, for its 200 MW California Ridge Wind Project (“California Ridge”) in Illinois.
California Ridge features 134 General Electric 1.6 MW wind turbines. The facility generates enough renewable energy to power approximately 65,000 homes, and sells power and renewable energy credits to the Tennessee Valley Authority under a long-term contract. The facility is operated and maintained by Invenergy Services LLC, an affiliate of Invenergy.
“Our California Ridge project came to fruition with the support of the local community, and we’re proud to invest in the future of east central Illinois,” said Jim Shield, Chief Development Officer of Chicago-based Invenergy. “Invenergy now owns and operates more than 600 MW of wind energy projects in our home state. Wind energy is a win-win for Illinois - and the nation - providing a clean, homegrown source of power for years to come.”
Located on approximately 27,700 acres of private land – 8,700 in Champaign County and 19,000 in Vermilion County – the wind project:
Employed more than 230 skilled construction workers.
Employs 14 full-time workers to operate and maintain the facility.
Contributes to the area’s economic development through property tax payments, which can be used for schools, fire and police protection, road repair and other improvements.
Supports the local economy through yearly lease payments to more than 200 land owners.
Turbine erection and other balance of plant work were done by White Construction of Clinton, Indiana. Henkels & McCoy of Batavia, Illinois constructed the project’s transmission line and substation.
About Invenergy
Invenergy and its affiliated companies develop, own and operate large-scale renewable and other clean energy generation facilities in North America and Europe. Invenergy is committed to clean power alternatives and continued innovation in electricity generation. Invenergy's home office is located in Chicago and it has regional development offices throughout the United States and in Canada and Europe.
The nation’s largest independent wind power generation company, Invenergy and its affiliated companies currently have over 6,600 MW of wind, solar, and thermal projects under contract, in construction, or in operation. For more information, please visit www.invenergyllc.com.