Empire Prairie Wind project could bring new turbines to northwest DeKalb Co

Empire Prairie Wind project would mostly sit in Gentry and Andrew counties, but DeKalb County may see up to 15 to 20 larger turbines near Union Star

By Sean Shaughnessey
Across the County Line

MAYSVILLE - A large wind-and-solar energy project moving through Northwest Missouri could bring a new generation of larger wind turbines into northwest DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Presiding Commissioner Kyle Carroll confirmed Tuesday that ENGIE is the developer behind the Empire Prairie Wind project, with Blattner expected to serve as the construction contractor. Carroll said most of the project would be located in Gentry and Andrew counties, but a smaller portion could extend into DeKalb County.

Carroll said the DeKalb County portion could include approximately 15 turbines, possibly up to 20, in the northwest corner of the county, north of Union Star and west of U.S. 169.

The area is already near existing wind development, but Carroll said the proposed turbines would be significantly larger than turbines currently operating in Osborn.

“These blades will be longer than anything that has come into DeKalb County before,” Carroll said.

Carroll said existing turbines in the county are generally around 2 megawatts, while the turbines being discussed for the new project could be in the 5- to 6-megawatt range and reach roughly 550 feet to the tip.

The project also appears to include a solar component. Carroll said the broader Empire Prairie project includes both wind and solar development, with much of the solar portion expected to be in Gentry County.

The project is not yet at full construction, but Carroll said dirt work could begin around November, with construction possibly beginning in the first quarter of 2027. He said the November timing is tied in part to environmental rules involving tree clearing and bat activity.

Carroll said the county’s main focus is road protection. Because most of DeKalb County is not zoned, commissioners have limited authority over whether a wind project can proceed on private land. Carroll said the county’s leverage comes mainly through road-use agreements, haul routes, bridge protection and restoration requirements.

The county and project representatives discussed road-use issues during Tuesday’s commission meeting, including the possibility that some gravel roads may need to be adjusted to accommodate the longer turbine blades. Carroll said MoDOT would be involved in state-route approvals for oversized loads, while the county would become involved once equipment moves onto county roads.

Carroll said the county wants to make sure roads and bridges are not damaged by the project — or are left in better condition after construction.

“We’re just gonna do the best we can for the folks, make sure we get as much information out there as we can, and make sure that, in the process, our roads and bridges … are not hurt or in better shape when they’re done,” Carroll said.

The project could also create significant demand for gravel and concrete. Carroll said each turbine base could require hundreds of yards of concrete, possibly around 900 yards per tower, along with gravel access roads leading into each turbine site.

Carroll said DeKalb County currently receives roughly $77,000 to $80,000 per year from 197 existing turbines. He said schools, fire districts and ambulance districts receive larger portions of the property tax benefit.

Carroll said he does not expect many permanent jobs in DeKalb County from the new project, though the county has pushed for local benefit where possible, including laydown yard activity.

Data centers also came up during the interview. Carroll said he has asked project representatives whether a data center is connected to the project and was told there is no data-center plan tied to their work in DeKalb County. He said the county is still trying to educate itself on data centers and zoning questions, but does not currently believe DeKalb County has the infrastructure needed for the largest facilities.

Carroll said the county has not taken a formal position for or against the project. Instead, he said commissioners are trying to keep the public informed while protecting taxpayers, roads and bridges within the limited authority the county has.

Across the County Line has contacted ENGIE and Blattner for confirmation and comment. Additional records have also been requested from DeKalb County.