More wind energy for Iowa
We have built 1,000 megawatts of additional wind generation in Iowa from 2018 through 2020. This can generate enough energy for 430,000 homes. Overall, this represents an investment of approximately $1.8 billion. Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company owns and operates 1,299 megawatts of wind generation in Iowa.
What benefits will Iowa see as a result of these projects?
- These will provide enough renewable energy to power 430,000 homes per year.
- Hundreds of jobs for Iowa during construction.
- Tens of millions in local property taxes throughout the life of the wind farms.
- Millions of dollars in lease payments to landowners.
- These wind projects keep Alliant Energy on its path toward achieving a new, aspirational goal of eliminating CO2 emissions from the energy the company generates by 2050. This goal is outlined in the company’s latest Corporate Responsibility Report.
What is the timeline?
A total of five wind farms were built by the end of 2020.
Why are you adding more wind energy now?
- Wind has no associated fuel expenses, which helps provide cost stability to customers.
- New technologies are reducing the cost of wind and increasing performance.
- The cost of installed turbines has dropped 49% since a peak in 2009
- Maintenance costs have dropped 52%
- Taller towers and longer blades allow more energy production in lower wind speeds
- Each wind turbine can produce four times more energy than turbines installed just 10 years ago
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, 1999 to 2016 comparisons