Iowa is more than a breath of fresh air

I am sure as you travel across Iowa you have noticed the horizon dotted with wind turbines. More than 25 wind farms can be found mostly in the north and west portions of the state. One of the most noticable is near Adair along Interstate 80.

Iowa led the nation with nearly 26% of the electricity generated in the state by wind power. The state currently has about 2,900 turbines with a total capacity of 4400 mega watts when the wind is blowing everywhere in the state.  Experts say the wind power capacity of the state is 570,000 megawatts or approximately 130 times the current capacity. Obviously with adequate funds all of Iowa’s demand could be delivered by wind energy.

The turning of the blades rotate a shaft, which creates electrical current through an electrical generator. The electricity is transformed into a higher voltage and put directly into the grid through high power lines. That is why wind farms have to be close to high power lines.

MidAmerican Energy owns and operates almost half of the 4,400 MW capacity in the state and is able to generate an amazing one-third of its electrical generation by wind power.  In fact, of all the utility-based companies, they have the greatest wind energy capacity in the country. Tina Potthoff, spokesperson for MidAmerican says “Wind energy is a cost-effective means to increase generation capacity when compared to nuclear, coal, or oil power plants. The Wind Production Tax Credit helps also.”

Look for more info to come on how you can install a system for your home.