Wind Power News: Iowa
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Worthwhile wind and solar farm project drawing concerns from residents
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Iowa – Norway Township in the northeast corner of Winnebago County is a pristine, quiet area dotted by snow-covered farm fields. But critics say that the Worthwhile wind and solar farm project will change that. “The developers approached my own family. They were interested in my family’s property for easements for wind turbines and solar panel construction.” Matt Helgeson lives in the area of the projected site, which is planned to be located between Lake Mills and the . . . Complete story »
Madison County puts effective ban on new wind energy development as storm over turbines continues
The battle over wind turbines continues to rage in Madison County, where supervisors have approved restrictions on wind and solar development that opponents say strip landowners of their rights and jeopardize new and existing renewable energy projects. In action critics contend was taken hastily and without sufficient public notice or comment, the supervisors voted 2-to-1 in December to cap the number of turbines in the county at 51 – the current figure. “This is a de facto ban on wind in . . . Complete story »
Washington County supervisors desire public input on wind energy
The Washington County Board of Supervisors continued discussion of enacting a wind energy ordinance during their most recent meeting. The board previously discussed but took no action on the assessment of wind energy conversion property ordinance during their December 22nd meeting, which would be the first of two ordinances they would consider regarding windmill development. Supervisor Jack Seward Jr. stated in this week’s meeting that he doesn’t know of any county in Iowa that hasn’t passed a wind energy ordinance, . . . Complete story »
After some blades broke off, MidAmerican Energy says turbines are getting upgrade to improve resiliency
MidAmerican Energy says the manufacturer of roughly 325 of the utility’s Iowa turbines is upgrading equipment to improve the “blades’ resiliency in extreme weather situations.” The move follows MidAmerican Energy’s decision last fall to take 46 turbines offline while employees checked them for safety. The Des Moines-based company said three blades broke from turbines last year and one in 2019 after direct or nearby lightning strikes. No one was injured in the blade failures. The company, owned by Warren Buffet’s . . . Complete story »
Wind farm approved after supervisors hold firm on county code
A permit application for the construction of a wind farm in Delaware County was approved by Delaware County Supervisors, Jan. 11, after the action was tabled in previous meetings. The application for CED Manchester Wind, LLC was approved after project officials with Con Edison agreed to drop their request for variances on the project that would not have complied with county code. The plan calls for three turbines to be built along driveways from 230th St. All turbines are on . . . Complete story »
Des Moines City Council considering new goals to lower greenhouse gas emissions
Months after Des Moines Councilman Josh Mandelbaum proposed updated emissions reduction goals, City Council will vote on a slightly diminished version of his resolution that pushes the target to achieve 100%, 24/7 carbon-free electricity from 2030 to 2035. Leaders including the city’s sustainability program manager and Mayor Frank Cownie, who has committed to upholding the Paris Agreement, want Iowa’s capital city to lead on climate action. Mandelbaum said the resolution up for approval Monday still sets a bold vision for . . . Complete story »
Delaware County officials deny variances for wind project
MANCHESTER, Iowa – The Delaware County Board of Supervisors recently denied a request from Con Edison for variances on a proposed wind turbine project. The project calls for three wind turbines along driveways from 230th Street in Prairie Township. The turbines would be connected with an underground collection line that follows east along 230th Street to 167th Avenue. The two issues of the project that are at odds with the county ordinance governing wind turbines are a performance bond requirement for . . . Complete story »
Washington County considers ordinances for wind farms
With a potential wind farm project on the horizon, the Washington County Board of Supervisors is looking at establishing a pair of ordinances to set parameters for any such projects in the county. While there are no plans in place, Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Seward Jr. said that the board wants to be proactive. “When we first heard about this project coming in was in the summer of 2020,” Seward said. “As we started trying to think about it, . . . Complete story »
Supervisors deny wind turbine application
Citing a need to remain consistent with the county ordinance, the Delaware County Board of Supervisors denied a request from Con Edison for variances on a proposed wind turbine project in Prairie Township at its Dec. 21 meeting. The Con Edison project calls for three wind turbines along driveways from 230th St., connected with an underground collection line that follows east along 230th St. to 167th Ave. While the supervisors agreed to revisit the project at a future date, for . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine abeyance continued
The Union County Board of Supervisors voted 2 to 1 to continue its wind turbine abeyance until the Southern Hills wind turbine project is completed. In July, the board voted to suspend approval of any new wind turbine projects until the current one is finished. The abeyance was set to expire on Jan. 1. During the board’s weekly meeting Monday at the Union County Courthouse, supervisors Dennis Brown and Rick Friday voted to approve the extension saying the the abeyance . . . Complete story »
