MOLINE, Illinois — A wind turbine has been installed at the Krisdala Baka rest area on Interstate 74 between Moline and Galesburg, Illinois. The turbine is the first to be placed at an Iowa Department of Transportation facility and help cut utility costs at the rest area.
“This project is a ‘win-win’ for the state – we are reducing our expenses in the long term while doing our part to help the environment,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn.
The rest area was receiving electricity from a local utility company, but will now be matched by energy produced by the wind turbine. Excess power is stored, according to the IDOT.
The IDOT is considering similar projects in other areas.
The turbine stands at 100 feet tall with a 20 square-foot base and is expected to general up to 25,000 kilowatt hours per year.
