Wind power is one the most important renewable energy sources in the state of Illinois.
Installed capacity and rankings
- Illinois ranks among the top 5 states in the U.S. for installed wind energy capacity.
- At the beginning of 2025, Illinois had over 10,000 MW (10+ GW) of installed wind capacity across nearly 100 projects — the largest wind capacity among Midwest states.
Electricity generation
- Wind energy contributes roughly 10–12% of the state’s total electricity generation.
- That clean power is enough to supply electricity to over 1.2–1.3 million homes.
Growth & development
- Wind energy has expanded rapidly over the last decade thanks to favorable prairie winds, large areas of open land, and supportive state renewable policies.
- Multiple new projects continue development — including Greenswitch Wind (planned ~165 MW in Macon County) with construction anticipated in the next few years.
- Companies like Avangrid have brought new wind farms online (e.g., Midland Wind at ~106 MW), adding jobs and millions in local taxes.
Major wind farms in Illinois
Some well-known Illinois wind installations include:
- Twin Groves Wind Farm — one of the largest in the state, powering tens of thousands of homes.
- Hoopeston Wind Farm — ~98 MW in Vermilion County.
- Camp Grove Wind Farm — ~100 MW with 100 turbines near Peoria.
Economic and community impact
- Wind development has attracted billions in investments, contributed to local tax bases, and provided lease income to rural landowners.
- Projects support construction jobs and ongoing operations roles in rural communities.
Policy & Future Outlook
State goals
- Illinois aims for 100% clean energy by 2050 under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, with wind energy playing a central role.
Challenges
- Recent studies suggest Illinois might face electricity shortfalls by 2030 due to increased demand (e.g., new data centers) unless additional generation and transmission capacity are built. Some lawmakers argue for balancing renewable expansion with reliable traditional power sources.
Transmission needs
- Continued growth in wind capacity will require expanded transmission infrastructure to deliver power where it’s needed and maintain grid reliability.