Avangrid announces construction of Osagrove Flats wind farm in Illinois
In a significant stride towards bolstering its renewable energy portfolio in the United States, Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a frontrunner in sustainable energy and a proud member of the Iberdrola Group, today unveiled plans for the construction of Osagrove Flats. This project marks the company’s fifth wind farm in Illinois and is set to be located in La Salle County. The wind farm will feature 34 turbines, amassing a total capacity of 153 MW.
Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, highlighted the company’s longstanding commitment to fostering clean energy initiatives within Illinois and nationwide. “Avangrid has a long track record of successfully partnering with Illinois communities to build and operate wind farms, helping accelerate a clean energy transition in the state and across the country,” Azagra stated. The introduction of Osagrove Flats signifies a continuation of Avangrid’s over 15-year legacy in Illinois, poised to generate employment opportunities and bolster the local economy.
The wind farm’s annual energy production is anticipated to exceed 550,000 MWh, powering approximately 50,000 U.S. households. This venture underscores Avangrid’s dedication to meeting the energy demands of American homes through renewable sources, thereby contributing to the reduction of carbon footprint.
Moreover, the construction phase of Osagrove Flats is expected to generate around 300 job opportunities, with the operation and maintenance of the site supporting several permanent positions. The project’s economic benefits extend to an estimated contribution of over $40 million in property taxes throughout its lifespan. These funds are earmarked for crucial public services such as education and fire protection, demonstrating Avangrid’s commitment to supporting community welfare.
Avangrid’s engagement with the local communities has been proactive and supportive, as evidenced by a $15,000 donation to the Village of Dana for essential services and infrastructure improvements. Joe Centeno, president of the Village of Dana, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “We have developed a tremendous relationship with Avangrid over the past several years and we are thrilled to see the Osagrove Flats wind farm coming to life. They have demonstrated time and again that they care about this community, and I look forward to seeing the lasting benefits this project will bring to our village, school district, and township.”
Positioned in proximity to four other Avangrid-operated wind farms in Illinois, Osagrove Flats will elevate Avangrid’s renewable energy capacity in the state to nearly 800 MW. This expansion cements Avangrid’s status as the third largest renewable energy operator in the U.S., with an installed capacity of 8.7 GW.
The Osagrove Flats project not only represents a leap forward in renewable energy development in Illinois but also signifies Avangrid’s unwavering dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities.