The Land of Lincoln will have more electric choices now that a renewable energy agreement has been announced. Governor Pat Quinn stated on March 6 that two local renewable energy companies recently signed on to a three-year wind turbine project.

The project will support the creation of more than 1,400 construction jobs, and will eventually supply 3,500 megawatts of renewable energy to more than 1.4 million homes in the Midwest. The project is expected to commence in early 2014.

The agreement supports the findings of a recent Illinois State University study that showed wind energy in the state is a great supporter of local communities, and generated more than $22.2 million in property taxes for Illinois. With more than 13,000 construction jobs currently benefiting from the influx of renewable energy development, this wind turbine agreement only further supports the job prospects and environmental sustainability of the state, where electricity deregulation has spurred competition and increased consumers’ access to renewable energy sources. 

According to the American Wind Energy Association, Illinois was the top state in the nation for wind turbine installations in 2011, with more than 400 turbines installed last year alone. In 2010, the state ranked second in the nation for most new wind power added.

**Original Publish Date 3/7/12**Viridian.com/Amal (energy news section)