Illinois becoming leader in wind energy

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PONTIAC, Ill., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Illinois is on its way to surpassing 1,000 megawatts of installed wind energy with its giant Cayuga Ridge wind farm south of Chicago.

The Tennessee Valley Authority, a regional utility, announced plans to purchase 300 MW of renewable energy from the Streator Cayuga Ridge South Wind Power Project under construction by Iberdrola Renewables south of Chicago.

"Once the Cayuga Ridge project is completed, Illinois will far surpass 1,000 megawatts of installed wind generating capacity in the state," said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Warren Ribley.

TVA purchases energy from the Cayuga Ridge project as part of an effort to add 2,000 MW to its clean energy portfolio.

"Wind power is a clean and limitless source of energy that directly enhances TVA's mission of environmental stewardship," said TVA Executive Vice President Van Wardlaw.

Iberdrola has 3,500 MW of wind energy in its current portfolio. The Cayuga project goes into service later this year.