Overview
Heartland Community College is a 1.7 MW onshore wind farm in Illinois, United States, owned and operated by the college. It supports renewable energy education and campus sustainability.
Heartland Community College is an onshore wind farm located in Illinois, United States, with a capacity of 1.7 MW. Owned by the college itself, this facility is a small-scale wind energy installation that contributes to the institution's sustainability goals and provides educational opportunities for students. The wind farm operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Illinois has a robust RPS targeting 25% renewable energy by 2025, which supports projects like this. The facility uses a single wind turbine typical of community-scale wind projects. Environmentally, the wind farm displaces fossil fuel-generated electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its small scale minimizes visual and land-use impacts, and it serves as a demonstration site for renewable energy technology within the college campus, fostering community engagement and awareness.
Environmental context
Located in central Illinois, the wind farm operates in an agricultural region with flat terrain, ideal for wind energy. The area has moderate wind resources, and the turbine is sited to minimize impact on local bird and bat populations. The project supports Illinois' transition to cleaner energy, reducing reliance on coal and natural gas.
Frequently asked questions
Heartland Community College wind farm is located in Illinois, United States, on the campus of Heartland Community College.
The wind farm has a capacity of 1.7 MW, making it a small-scale onshore wind installation.
The wind farm is owned by Heartland Community College, which operates it as part of its sustainability initiatives.
Illinois has a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) targeting 25% renewable energy by 2025, supported by federal incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
The wind farm provides clean energy to the college, reduces carbon emissions, and serves as an educational tool for students studying renewable energy.