Wind Turbine Generators (WTG) on South Farms was initiated and backed by the students. In Spring 2003, the Students for Environmental Concerns (SECS) proposed and presented the project of installing up to three wind turbines on campus to show the university's intent to invest in renewable energy. This project was approved by the university officials in September 2005, following the investigation by Navigant Consulting Inc in June 2005. South Farms area (Curtis/Windsor Road on the north and Old Church Road on the south and by Philo Road on the east and First St. on the west) was selected as the location for the site for installation of three wind turbines.

By the end of 2005, WTG project had secured a total of $5.7 million in funds ($300,000 from students' sustainable environment fee, $2 million from ICECF grant, and the rest was covered by the university). EAPC Architects/Engineers were hired by the university in 2006 as consultants. The project was approved by FAA in April 2007, following which the university drafted the request for proposal (RFP) for the project and met with GE Wind Energy. Turbine manufacturer, GE Wind Energy sent their proposal in September 2007. However, based on the estimates provided by GE's proposal, the university had funding enough to cover only one wind turbine.

Amid great resistance from the residents of Urbana, the university officials were able to convince ICECF to approve a grant extension until June 2009, but GE quoted the delivery of the turbine in late 2009 to early 2010. The chancellor at the time, Richard Herman, cancelled the project in December 2008 citing "dismal fiscal condition". This decision was met with protest from the students who felt disheartened and hurt by the timing of the decision.