Normal Planning Commission backs plan for wind turbine at Rivian plant

Posted on July 8, 2022

*The turbine would be located on Rivian’s vehicle test track on the east side of its property in northwest Normal.(WJBC file photo)*

NORMAL – Rivian’s plan to put up a wind turbine at its local factory has won the backing of the Normal Planning Commission.

Commissioners Thursday evening voted unanimously in favor of the company’s wind energy project to provide Rivian’s newly-made electric vehicles with their first “all green” charge.

The commission’s endorsement goes to the Normal Town Council, which has the final say. The council’s vote is expected July 18.

The turbine would be located on Rivian’s vehicle test track on the east side of its property in northwest Normal.

Rivian said the turbine won’t be taller than 500 feet, about 100 feet higher than the turbine nearby at Heartland Community College.

Nothing was said during the planning commission hearing about the project’s cost, however the company estimated the turbine will generate for local taxing bodies about $600,000 in property tax revenue over 25 years.

It was revealed at Thursday’s planning commission meeting that Rivian recently held an invitation-only session with nearby homeowners to explain the project.

Also, Rivian hosted a public question-and-answer session last week at Heartland College.

No one attended the planning commission hearing to oppose Rivian’s plans.

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