GSG Wind
Lee and Lasalle Counties, Illinois
Project Overview
GSG Wind, LLC (GSG Wind) is repowering its 80-megawatt wind energy facility in Lee and Lasalle Counties, IL. The GSG Wind project is situated on 3,000 acres near West Brooklyn, Illinois and initially reached commercial operation in 2007. Through the repowering effort, GSG Wind is replacing all the project’s 40 wind turbines with fewer, newer, and more efficient ones. As part of the repowering, many of the blades from the original wind turbines are being removed and recycled. The repowering is scheduled to be completed by late 2023.
Throughout its operating life, GSG Wind will continue to provide significant economic investment to the community, a substantial property tax base for both Lee and Lasalle Counties and generate emission-free renewable energy with minimal impact to the land and surrounding community. The project interconnects to ComEd’s transmission system, and the energy output is sold into the PJM market.
DEVELOPMENT and CONSTRUCTION
GSG Wind received new Special Use Permits (SUP) from both Lee and Lasalle Counties in order to repower the facility. The project began repowering construction in 2023, bringing an influx of new jobs to the community. The repowered project is expected to begin operating by late 2023.
Project location
Timeline
Community Involvement
As a dedicated member of the community, GSG Wind works hard to earn the trust of our neighbors. Our involvement goes well beyond job creation, economic investment, and providing clean, renewable energy. We strive to build lasting partnerships with civic leaders and property owners. Throughout the life of every project, we are involved with we pride ourselves on being fully transparent in our communication and highly responsive to public feedback.
About Us
GSG Wind is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC, Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is a high-growth renewable energy company building a sustainable future for all. The company owns and operates a portfolio of 26 wind, solar, and energy storage facilities across the United States, totaling approximately 2,700 megawatts of generating capacity and is actively developing and contracting a robust pipeline of new renewable energy projects. LRE is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure, an investment arm of OMERS, one of the largest defined pension plans in Canada, with C$124.2 billion in net assets (as at December 31, 2022). For more information, visit www.leewardenergy.com.
Responsible Development
Responsible development is an ethos that runs deep at Leeward Energy and our subsidiary companies. We develop, own, and operate renewable generation assets for the long term, and are committed to leaving a positive impact on the communities where we operate. We achieve this by prioritizing our values of community partnership, sustainability, and safety.
CLICK HERE for more information about Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC.
PROJECT DOWNLOADS
Project Fact Sheet Download Here
wind frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What will the wind facility look like?
The GSG facility primarily consists of wind generating turbines which are essentially tall windmills. Wind turbines are made of multiple components including the foundation, tower, nacelle, hub, and blades. The turbines themselves are constructed to “hunt” for the wind, pointing themselves into the prevailing wind direction. The turbine’s generator housing contains copper windings and magnets that generate an electrical-producing response when spun at high speed. Electricity is transmitted over underground/overhead cabling from each turbine to a utility-owned substation that is then transmitted to overhead transmission lines to end users.
Will the wind facility reduce my property value?
Well-developed wind projects will not negatively impact property values. A wind energy facility such as GSG Wind is a low-intensity, passive use of land. Once constructed, wind projects do not possess the negative qualities that could theoretically impact property values such as hazardous materials, odor, and excess traffic. Enhanced setbacks will also be used.
How long will the wind facility be operational?
The average life of a wind facility is approximately 30 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last longer.
Who will maintain the property and vegetation?
GSG Wind is responsible for maintaining the wind facility property. We work diligently with consultants and local stakeholders to ensure proper ground cover, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management. Also, land not occupied by wind turbines will remain in its prior use, meaning a minimal impact to farming.
What happens at the end of the project’s life?
At the end of the life of the project, GSG Wind will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site to its original use. As part of the permitting review process, Decommissioning and restoration bonds are posted prior to construction to ensure ample consideration and protections are provided.
How will development of the wind facility affect my community?
Construction brings new employment opportunities, a large direct investment in the community, and local business generated from the purchase of food, fuel, accommodations, and other local supplies. During the construction period there will be a relatively short-term increase in traffic volume and noise, typical of similar projects.
Once the project is operational, daily traffic to and from the site will be minimal. Throughout its life, the project will not burden Lee and Lasalle County services and utilities; however, it will contribute substantial revenue to local tax authority and provide clean energy in Illinois.
complaint resolution
If you have a question, concern or complaint about any aspect of the GSG Wind facility, you can call the project phone line @ 815-781-2915 or fill out the form below. If you choose to register your concern by phone, please be prepared to provide the information requested on this form.
Contact
If you have additional questions about GSG Wind, please fill out the form below or contact us at info@gsgwind.com
