Byron Clean Energy Center expansion cited in request to amend Lee County enterprise-zone boundaries

Representatives of the Byron Clean Energy Center told the county executive committee they are seeking support for an enterprise-zone amendment tied to a substantial multi-year upgrade at their Byron facility.

Ryan Tozer, manager of local government affairs for the Byron Clean Energy Center, told the committee the plant plans to install six low-pressure turbines, two high-pressure turbines and electrical upgrades as part of a major capacity project. "We are going to be installing six low pressure turbines and two high pressure turbines, and then we're gonna do some electrical upgrades," Tozer said. He and company representatives asked the county to support "Amendment Number 18" to the Lee County Enterprise Zone, which would be submitted to the state for approval.

Andy (staff member) outlined three proposed enterprise-zone amendments being forwarded to the county board: two local developments (including a project called Fun on 52 and an industrial expansion for HA International near Oregon) and the Byron Clean Energy Center expansion. Andy said the county will apply to the Illinois enterprise-zone program for all three amendments and hoped for state approval "early summer" if the process proceeds as expected.

Shane Harvey (plant manager) and Bob Bullock (project manager) were present and, according to Tozer, were prepared to answer technical questions at the county board hearing. Tozer characterized the Byron upgrade as a sizable project with effects on regional electricity markets, saying the work could affect the PJM grid beyond Illinois.

Committee members confirmed the three enterprise-zone amendments will be placed on the county board agenda for Thursday; no final board vote or formal action on the amendments occurred at the executive meeting.