Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives’ subsidiary, White Construction has been selected by Invenergy for the construction of the planned 250 MW Sapphire Sky Wind Farm in Illinois. White Construction will supply engineering and construction for 64 turbines and almost 32 kilometers of private-land access roads as part of the US$75 million agreement. During the construction period, the project is estimated to produce almost 300 new employment in Illinois. The project began in the fourth quarter of 2021 and is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of the current year.
Also Read:Â 54 MW Crescent Ridge wind farm completed and repowered, Illinois
Commentary on the Illinois Sapphire Sky Wind Farm
“Invenergy is a valued, long-term IEA partner, a firm whose dedication to delivering large-scale sustainable energy solutions closely fits with our mission and principles.” “We are happy to work with them on this important project, which will help to establish Illinois as a top generator of domestic wind energy while also offering considerable socioeconomic advantages to the inhabitants of McLean County,” said JP Roehm, CEO of IEA. According to the WEC statement, the renewable energy generated by the Illinois wind farm is expected to be purchased under a long-term power purchase deal with an undisclosed Fortune 100 tech business. According to media sources, Flow Power, a wholesale energy reseller, was planning to buy a share of Sapphire’s capacity in 2018.
“The Sapphire Sky project is the most recent stage in our broad effort to speed the production of inexpensive, dependable, and clean energy.” “This project will assist fulfill the energy demands of one of the world’s leading high-tech firms while also continuing to expand revenues from our renewable asset portfolio,” said Gale Klappa, executive chairman of WEC Energy Group. For the 90-percent share, the business will invest $412 million. Once approved by authorities and completed, WEC’s Infrastructure division will include eight projects totaling 1.5 GW of wind power.
Facts about the Sapphire Sky wind farm
- Capacity: 250mw
- No of turbines: 64
- Project cost: US$350 million
- Location: Illinois
- Completion date: 4th quarter 2022
