Greenswitch Wind
a proposed renewable energy facilityin Macon County, Illinois
About the Project
Greenswitch Wind is a project being developed by RWE that will be in northeastern Macon County and will generate up to 165 megawatts (MW) of electricity. In addition to being a wellspring of reliable, domestic energy, the project will provide participating landowners with a new source of income to support their farming operations while reducing the property tax burden for all county residents.
RWE is proud to continue its relationship with Macon County residents, and we look forward to continuing our investment in the community and providing local jobs through our operation of Radford’s Run Wind Farm.
Construction is planned to begin on Greenswitch Wind in spring 2026. Learn more about the project by downloading our factsheet.
Greenswitch Wind Location
The project will be located in northeastern Macon County.
Project Timeline
Estimated Economic Benefits
Expected Jobs
100-200
in construction
RWE & Macon County: Creating a Project Centered on Community
RWE has a proven record of responsible land stewardship and community partnership in Macon County, through our nearby Radford’s Run Wind Farm, located West of US-51. Operational since 2017, the project is named in memory of a long-time employee Mike Radford who passed away after battling cancer.
Born in Woodland California, Mike received his BA at Stanford University in 1975 and an MBA from USC in 1980. He had a successful career in commercial real estate and later went into wind farm development with E. ON Climate and Renewables North America where he was well-regarded by peers and anyone who worked with him. Mike believed strongly in renewables and its many positive benefits for clean energy and the planet. Radford’s Run Wind Farm was dedicated in Mike’s honor in June 2018.
Protecting Our Environment
Wind farms produce electricity without generating any pollution, resulting in cleaner air and water when compared to traditional power plants. The average wind farm leaves 98 percent of the land its sited on undisturbed, leaving it free for other uses like farming.
Comprehensive studies are required as part of the planning and permitting process to protect public safety and the environment.
Prioritizing Being a Good Neighbor
Greenswitch Wind will be designed to complement existing agricultural land uses, protect the soil, and avoid impacts to wildlife. At the end of the project’s useful life, equipment will be removed, and the land can be returned to its original uses.
In developing a community-centered project, Greenswitch Wind currently has a community benefits agreement in place with the City of Maroa, which memorializes our collaboration with local leaders and residents.
Subject to FAA approval, Greenswitch Wind will use the latest aircraft detection light system (ADLS), turning their obstruction lights on only when an aircraft is approaching.RWE is also a member of the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce, actively supports local schools and nonprofits, and gives back through a wide range of community events and engagement opportunities including participating in the county fair, Ice Fest, and our long-time support for the Decatur Memorial Health Foundation. We are committed to being an engaged and supportive member of the community throughout the project’s development and decades of operations.
Developing a Project that Benefits All Residents
Supporting a Stronger Macon County
Greenswitch Wind Farm will provide between $30 and 60 million in additional tax revenue to Macon County and local taxing districts. This new public funding can reduce the tax burden on all residents thanks to new revenue to support essential services including schools, library districts, roads, fire departments and first responders. This income is in addition to the $46 million in new local tax revenue provided by RWE’s Radford’s Run Wind Farm, also located in Macon County.
Supporting Macon County’s Farming Families
Farmers who choose to harvest wind power are following a long tradition of producing food, fiber, and fuel. Greenswitch Wind Farm will be located on private property, offering participating landowners a reliable source of farm income over the 30-year life of the project, generating approximately $13 million annually in extra income for landowners. This is in addition to approximately $48 million in total stable lease payments over 30 years provided by RWE’s Radford’s Run Wind Farm.
Together, these two projects will significantly boost area farm income and the local economy.
[FARMLAND PHOTO OR PHOTO OF FARMING FAMILY]
Securing America’s Electric Grid
Wind energy is one of the most affordable and reliable sources of electricity available today.
Projects like Greenswitch Wind Farm increase the resiliency of Illinois’ electric grid and protect consumers from energy volatility and rising costs. Strengthening the electric grid with reliable, affordable, and domestic power is essential to America’s energy leadership.
Bringing Opportunity to the Heartland
Jobs will be created during the project’s construction and operation, offering opportunities for residents to enter the rapidly expanding clean energy workforce. Local businesses will see an economic boom as demand for lodgings, restaurants, supplies, vehicle maintenance, and fuel increases throughout the nine to 12 months of construction. The project will continue to source supplies from local businesses.
Contact the Greenswitch Wind Team
Have a Question?
Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and to provide information about the project as it moves through the development and construction process. Please fill out the form to submit your question or comment via email or write to us at the address listed below. A member of our team will get back to you promptly!
Submit Your Comments Via U.S. Mail
RWE Clean Energy
285 N. Kenwood St. Argenta, IL 62501