Project Benefits
Wind energy projects deliver significant benefits to the community beyond generating reliable, locally generated electricity. These benefits include a new source of income for farmers and landowners, additional tax revenue to support local priorities, hundreds of construction jobs, and long-term operations careers, among others.
Generating Affordable, Clean, American Energy
Wind and solar energy are among the most affordable sources of electricity in many places across the United States. Utility-scale renewable energy prices are significantly below those for coal generation, and less than half the cost of nuclear.
Because wind and solar require no fuel, adding them to a utility's mix lowers fuel costs and shields customers from price swings.
New Revenue for Community Priorities
Coles wind will generate up to $81 million in new tax revenue for local school districts, townships, Lake Land Community College, and Coles County.
County revenue goes towards specific services such as fire departments, parks, and libraries, as well as long-term community priorities.
Supporting the Local Farm Economy
Participating farmers and landowners will receive rent payments to host facilities on their property. This revenue can help local farmers diversify their operations and keep the farm in the family. Clean energy projects are helping diversify the incomes of thousands of farmers and landowners across the country, with projects making more than $1 billion in lease payments annually nationwide.
Construction Jobs and Opportunities
Representing a private investment totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, the project created hundreds of good-paying construction jobs and significant spending on local materials and services, supporting area small businesses and contractors.
Long-term Clean Energy Careers
Renewable energy jobs are among the fastest-growing employment opportunities in the country, with installation and technician positions consistently ranked among the top five fastest-growing occupations. The total number of positions is expected to grow by 40% to 60% over the next decade.
Technician jobs are also good-paying jobs, with a median wage of more than $60,000 per year.
A Commitment to Host Communities
One of Apex Clean Energy’s primary goals is to be a dependable, long-term partner to residents, local governments, and community organizations where our projects are located. One small way we do this is through our Community Grant Program.
Throughout the Project’s development, the Coles Wind Community Grant Program has supported countless community organizations, totalling over $120,000 to local organizations serving the region.
Learn more and apply today: