Northern Illinois groups plan ‘Freedom Field' complex
July 1, 2006
Renewable energy advocates in northern Illinois said the development and construction of a new research and demonstration complex, located on the south side of the Chicago/Rockford International Airport, will position the Rock River Valley at the forefront of a growing industry of green fuels development that could help break the country's dependence on foreign oil.
The proposed center, called Freedom Field, will explore hydrogen fuel, biomass, ethanol, methane, solar, wind and geothermal power. It will include an energy technology center, solar panels, wind towers, fuel pumps, fuel cells and a renewable energy farm.
Plans also include the possibilities of utilizing biomass resources, ethanol and methane from a nearby landfill. The project is in the preliminary research stages. Supporters of the center said the facility would attract researchers, provide educational opportunities and serve as a demonstration center for the community.
"This is leading edge," said Steven Moss, manager of the Hamilton-Sundstrand Corporation, the company that will conduct a feasibility study for the project. The feasibility study—the second part of phase I of development—includes researching and creating a plan of action for Freedom Field's development. Hamilton-Sundstrand will evaluate the potential of the project and how proponents should move forward.
"With gasoline and other energy prices surging, Freedom Field is exactly what we need to research and develop alternative and renewable energy sources that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and power our nation in the future," said Rep. Dan Manzullo, R-Ill. Manzullo obtained $50,000 in federal funds to initiate the project. The Winnebago County board is contributing another $100,000, but funds are still needed to cover the project estimated at between $3.5 million to $5 million.
"Along with our ethanol and biodiesel plants, our wind farms and the Belvidere agriculture technology park, Freedom Field will further position northern Illinois as a national center of alternative energy development in America," Manzullo said.
The coalition of government agencies and businesses involved in this project plan to complete the $150,000 feasibility study within the coming months; proposals estimate that the 40,000-square-foot center will be operational by 2008.
The proposed center, called Freedom Field, will explore hydrogen fuel, biomass, ethanol, methane, solar, wind and geothermal power. It will include an energy technology center, solar panels, wind towers, fuel pumps, fuel cells and a renewable energy farm.
Plans also include the possibilities of utilizing biomass resources, ethanol and methane from a nearby landfill. The project is in the preliminary research stages. Supporters of the center said the facility would attract researchers, provide educational opportunities and serve as a demonstration center for the community.
"This is leading edge," said Steven Moss, manager of the Hamilton-Sundstrand Corporation, the company that will conduct a feasibility study for the project. The feasibility study—the second part of phase I of development—includes researching and creating a plan of action for Freedom Field's development. Hamilton-Sundstrand will evaluate the potential of the project and how proponents should move forward.
"With gasoline and other energy prices surging, Freedom Field is exactly what we need to research and develop alternative and renewable energy sources that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and power our nation in the future," said Rep. Dan Manzullo, R-Ill. Manzullo obtained $50,000 in federal funds to initiate the project. The Winnebago County board is contributing another $100,000, but funds are still needed to cover the project estimated at between $3.5 million to $5 million.
"Along with our ethanol and biodiesel plants, our wind farms and the Belvidere agriculture technology park, Freedom Field will further position northern Illinois as a national center of alternative energy development in America," Manzullo said.
The coalition of government agencies and businesses involved in this project plan to complete the $150,000 feasibility study within the coming months; proposals estimate that the 40,000-square-foot center will be operational by 2008.
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