German energy company E.ON Climate & Renewables' US division has generated electricity from the first turbines installed at the Pioneer Trail wind farm in central Illinois.
The facility is expected to become fully operational by the middle of next year and will have a capacity of 150MW. The project is expected to contribute more than $29m in local taxes, $8m in salaries with more than $50m going to landowners in the area. Construction on the plant is predicted to generate around 200 jobs with between eight and ten permanent positions being created once building is complete.
Steve Trenholm, CEO of EC&R North America, said, 'We are honored to be a part of the local community, and we look forward to providing economic support and renewable, homegrown energy for many years to come. Wind farms create jobs, and provide an economic shot in the arm to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across America.'