Harnessing the power of the wind in Iowa
The expansion of wind generation has been, and continues to be, a boon for rural development. Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity across the nation. Several Midwest states, including Iowa , are leading the charge in its development, according to recent reports from the U.S. Department of Energy.
As state policies tighten local budgets, wind energy remains a proven tool to strengthen infrastructure, support schools, and keep family farms resilient.
Wind power in Iowa
NextEra Energy Resources owns the wind farm, which began operating in 2002. Making up over 64% of the state's generated electricity in 2024, wind power is the largest source of electricity generation in Iowa . [1][2] In 2020, over 34 billion kWh of electrical energy was generated by wind power .
[9] Wind turbines generate $72 million annually in lease payments to landowners in Iowa . [10] These landowners are in rural Iowa and throughout much of the state. Google, Apple, and Facebook are among the companies that have identified the availability of low-cost Iowa wind energy as one of the reasons to locate new facilities in Iowa . [11]
Where the wind blows
Iowa is a national leader in wind production, and that leadership has brought real benefits to rural counties like Adair and Howard.As local governments work to stretch limited budgets to keep roads drivable, bridges safe, and parks well-maintained, wind energy tax revenue has become a valuable tool. These two counties demonstrate how pairing private investment with thoughtful local planning ...
Wind energy accounts for at least $14.2 billion in capital investment in Iowa.7 Wind turbines generate $20 million to $25 million annually in lease payments to landowners in Iowa . 8 These landowners are in rural Iowa and throughout much of the state. This amount is expected to grow significantly in coming years.
How Iowa has turned against wind
Facing staunch local opposition and federal roadblocks, a new wind project in Iowa is teetering on the brink, despite growing power demand.
Center for Rural Affairs | Val Ankeny, December 18 Iowa is a national leader in wind production, and that leadership has brought real benefits to rural counties like Adair and Howard. As local governments work to stretch limited budgets to keep roads drivable, bridges safe, and parks well-maintained, wind energy tax revenue has become a valuable tool. These two counties demonstrate how pairing ...
Wind Energy
A summary of implementation of wind power generation throughout the State of Iowa .
In some rural counties, neighbors have fought wind farms because they dislike how turbines change the landscape or worry about health and property issues. In one example — the Shenandoah Hills Wind Farm — the long fight over local approval even influenced county elections.
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