8/4/2019 Wind Power Fact Sheet 06.17.11

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CGE Renewable Energy Fact SheetWind Power

Citizens' Greener Evanston (CGE) acts to improve community control of our greenhouse gas emissions. We promote community

awareness, advocate public policies, and make connections to support a regional sustainability agenda.

greenerevanston.org 

 Why Wind Power?Wind turbines are mounted on towers with propeller-like blades mounted on a shaft. The turning shaft spins generatorto make electricity. Wind power has several environmental benefits:

•  It does not generate air or water emissions and does not produce hazardous waste.•  It does not deplete natural resources or cause environmental damage through drilling or mining.•  It does not require significant amounts of water during operation.

Why Evanston?While Evanston lacks the sunshine some desert areas have, we are rich in wind over the lake:

•  Offshore wind speeds tend to be higher, and the wind is steadier there. This means that turbines built farther offshorewill capture more wind energy.

•  The lakebed is relatively shallow for several miles from the Evanston shoreline. Thus, construction costs will becheaper than they would be at deeper water sites.

• The further from the shore, the less visual disruption from the shoreline.•  The water nearby has no significant water use conflicts (no islands, river mouths, reefs, etc.)

•  The electricity will be produced very near the consumers who need it.•  Most offshore sites being considered in the U.S. work in partnership with renowned engineering schools.

Northwestern's McCormick Engineering School could be a partner here.

The proposed turbines will produce enough electricity to power approximately 40,000 homes. (There areapproximately 30,000 homes in Evanston.) The extra capacity would go back into the grid to assist with local electricaldemands. When the wind isn’t blowing, other sources of electricity (like natural gas, coal, and nuclear) will be used.

What Happens Next?Several steps are required before any wind farm can be built:

•  A wind developer will do a feasibility study (economic analysis, geotechnical analysis, wind studies, etc.).•  If the project is feasible, the developer must still secure approvals from the various agencies in the city, county, state

and federal governments. During this process, environmental studies will be undertaken and financing will be arranged.Ongoing community outreach will keep the local stakeholders informed on key decisions. Contract discussions withthe power purchasers will begin.

•  Then the construction phase begins, and finally, the operating phase. The time from the start of the project until thewind farm becomes operational is approximately seven years.Early cost estimates are $10 million for each turbine. Financing will likely be complex and involve many parties. Thereare no plans at this time for financing to come from the City of Evanston.