With a capacity of 175 MW, the Pilot Hill Wind Farm is positioned as the 1522nd largest power generation facility in the United States. While this may seem minor in the context of a national capacity of 1,386,385 MW, the wind farm, operated by EDF Renewable Asset Holdings Inc. and commissioned in 2015, holds a vital role in Illinois's energy mix. Ranking as the 215th largest wind plant out of 1142 nationwide, Pilot Hill serves as a testament to the growing prominence of wind energy in the region. This facility employs state-of-the-art wind turbine technology, efficiently converting the abundant wind resources of the American Midwest into clean, renewable electricity. Notably, Pilot Hill is situated in a region characterized by its isolation from other significant power generation facilities, which underscores its importance in supplying local communities with sustainable energy. Within a 50-kilometer radius, the nearest large-scale plants are predominantly nuclear, such as the Braidwood Generation Station and the Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station, both generating 2449.8 MW each, alongside the Dresden Generating Station at 2018.6 MW. This stark contrast in fuel types and capacities highlights the unique role that wind energy plays in diversifying the energy sources available to the region. Illinois's energy profile is largely dominated by nuclear and natural gas, yet the rise of wind generation, exemplified by Pilot Hill, aligns with national goals to expand renewable energy utilization and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Despite contributing only 0.01% to the national capacity, the Pilot Hill Wind Farm signifies an important step towards achieving a more sustainable energy future. As the push for renewable energy intensifies, facilities like Pilot Hill are not just providing electricity but also fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and supporting local communities in their transition to cleaner energy sources. Looking forward, the role of wind energy in Illinois and across the nation is expected to increase, further enhancing energy independence and sustainability.
11 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Wind
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
United States of America — Energy ProfileWind power generation harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to produce electricity, making it one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources globally. This process begins with wind turbines, which consist of large blades mounted on a tower. As the wind blows, it causes the blades to rotate, transforming the wind's kinetic energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy through a generator connected to the turbine. The efficiency of wind turbines has significantly improved over the past decades, with modern designs capable of generating power even at low wind speeds.
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