A worker stands in the shadow of an Alliant-owned wind turbine. PHOTO ALLIANT
By CBJ News Staff
news@corridorbusiness.com
Alliant Energy has announced the completion of its plan to add 1,000 megawatts (MW) of wind production in Iowa, several months ahead of schedule.
The milestone comes as the company completes its 130 MW Richland Wind Farm in Sac County in west-central Iowa. Alliant now counts five wind projects in the state, producing nearly 1,300 MW in total – roughly enough to power approximately 430,000 Iowa homes, and making it the third-largest utility owner-operator of regulated wind in the United States.
“Thank you to the many leaders throughout the state who have helped us deliver more renewable energy to our customers,” said Terry Kouba, president of Alliant’s Iowa energy company, in a release. “With wind, because there are no associated fuel costs, our investment in this renewable, natural resource provides long-term savings for our customers. At the same time, we’ll continue delivering safe, reliable and affordable energy to the communities we serve.”
Iowa is a national leader in wind energy, ranking third for wind power production, behind only Texas and Oklahoma. In 2018, the state sourced more than a third of its power from wind, with wind turbines and farms generating more than $58 million in state and local taxes, according to the American Wind Energy Association. CBJ
