Plans for Prairie Fork wind farm

US energy company Dominion plans to develop a 300MW wind generation facility in central Illinois.

The proposed Prairie Fork wind farm would feature 150 to 200 turbines constructed across approximately 25,000 acres in Christian and Montgomery counties, about 25 miles south east of Springfield.

The Prairie Fork project would increase Dominion’s renewable generation capacity to nearly 1,300MW, either in operation or under development - enough power for nearly 325,000 homes. It would also bring Dominion’s generation capacity in the Midwest to more than 3,200MW.

Construction of the Prairie Fork wind farm is expected to begin in 2010, subject to the necessary permits and approvals. Commercial operation could follow in 2011. The project would be developed by Dominion Energy, a Dominion subsidiary.

Initial studies suggest that the Christian and Montgomery counties have excellent wind resources. More comprehensive studies, including the placement of test towers, will occur over the next several months. The number of wind turbines installed would depend, in part, on the results of the studies.