Leeward Renewable Energy has completed the repowering of its GSG Wind project located in Lee and LaSalle Counties, Illinois.
The 80MW GSG Wind repowering involved decommissioning 40 wind turbines and constructing 26 new turbines.
The upgrades use GE technology, enhancing turbine capacity, reliability, and performance.
GSG Wind will now be able to generate 50% more energy with a smaller footprint, creating a more efficient facility with lower operating and maintenance costs.
As previously announced, Verizon Communications signed a renewable energy purchase agreement for the project in January 2022.
“We are pleased to complete the repower of GSG Wind, which has been in LRE’s portfolio since 2007, and expand our presence in Illinois, where we now have nearly 300MW of generating capacity,” said Jason Allen, LRE’s Chief Executive Officer.
He added: “The GSG Wind repowering is a perfect example of our ability to produce a greater volume of clean energy with a much smaller footprint, as well as our commitment to being a good steward of the land, environment, and community.
“LRE has been part of Lee and LaSalle counties for nearly two decades, and we look forward to continuing to support the community in the years to come.”
The GSG Wind repowering created approximately 180 jobs at peak construction and will provide long-term renewable energy jobs in Lee and LaSalle Counties.
As part of LRE’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the company recycled or reused 100% of the decommissioned wind turbines, keeping more than 600 tons of metal and fiberglass out of public landfills.
The recycled wind turbines are repurposed for various applications, from concrete and mortar reinforcement fibers to different uses at steel mills.
Verizon SVP, Global Supply Chain & Sourcing, and Chief Sustainability Officer, Jim Gowen, said: “We are impressed by its innovative approach to the repowering of GSG Wind, which will help further our commitments to protecting our planet and enabling a sustainable energy transition in the United States.”