Attendees at the Lab’s Oct. 22 Energy Awareness Month brown-bag lunch talk on wind energy learned that Iowa is the third largest producer of wind energy in the United States, just behind California and Texas.  And, it’s the 10th windiest state in the nation.

William Haman, Industrial Programs manager at the Iowa Energy Center, where he also manages the Alternate Energy Revolving Loan Program, gave the noon presentation.  Haman said that the combination of Iowa’s favorable terrain and electric transmission lines make the state a good environment for wind energy production and utilization.

Haman stressed that location was a key element in determining the feasibility of putting up wind turbines.  He said that wind turbines should be constructed in a good wind regime and in close proximity to a power grid.  Favorable terrain features are also essential – no high buildings or trees to block the path of the wind.  Other items to consider are restrictions on tower height, and noise and liability restrictions.

Noting that wind energy has a growing role in Iowa’s economic development, Haman pointed out the impact its had on the creation of new manufacturing jobs with the establishment of companies such as Clipper Turbine Works, Inc. in Cedar Rapids, Siemens Power Generation Inc. in Fort Madison, Acciona Energia in West Branch and Hendricks Industries in Keokuk.  He added that new vocational jobs are also coming about.  More community and junior colleges are offering two-year programs in wind-farm operation and wind-turbine maintenance due to the increased use of wind energy in the state.  And he emphasized that individuals with training in these fields have no problem finding jobs.

For more information about wind energy or to use the Iowa Energy Center’s Wind Assessment Study and Turbine Calculator go to:

http://www.energy.iastate.edu/renewable/wind/.

Bill Haman, Iowa Energy Center explains the physics of wind power during an Energy Awareness Month brown-bag lunch talk at Ames Laboratory