Wind Energy
MidAmerican Energy has invested significantly in environmentally friendly wind energy. We're able to provide our wind generation at no net cost to our customers. Our wind development helps maintain affordable rates and has made Iowa a wind energy leader.
In 2019, MidAmerican added more new wind capacity than any other company. And we're adding more. We're also exploring new technologies – like battery storage – to make wind energy go further.
MidAmerican leads the nation in our quest to provide 100% renewable energy to our Iowa customers through our GreenAdvantage® program. The program allows Iowa customers to claim a verified renewable energy amount to help them reach their sustainability goals. In 2019, we delivered 61.3% renewable energy on an annual basis to customers across the state. And that number keeps growing.
From turbine blade manufacturing to construction jobs to wind turbine technicians, wind energy helps Iowa's economy. It also provides direct long-term economic benefits to the state's rural areas:
- To date, MidAmerican has invested approximately $11.9 billion in wind energy projects, creating construction and permanent jobs across the state.
- In 2019, MidAmerican paid approximately $30.9 million in landowner easement/lease payments for our wind projects.
- Also in 2019, we paid approximately $26.3 million in property tax payments on our wind turbines. That provides funding to schools, roads and bridges, county health services and emergency responders.
Prospective Landowners
When identifying potential wind farm sites, MidAmerican considers the wind speed and direction, geographical features and the availability of transmission system interconnection at a potential site, as well as community support for the potential location.
To have property you own considered by MidAmerican Energy as a potential wind farm site, complete and submit the following Prospective Landowners form.