Alliant Energy achieves 1,000 MW of additional wind energy in Iowa

An Alliant Energy plan to add 1,000 MW of wind energy production to Iowa has reached fruition months ahead of schedule, with the completion of the 130 MW Richland Wind Farm.

Richland marks the fifth wind project to be added across seven counties. The energy produced by Richland and its cohorts will power around 430,000 homes and expands Alliant’s overall wind generation portfolio in Iowa to nearly 1,300 MW. These facilities will also play a major part in the company’s goal to eliminate its CO2 emissions by 2050.

“By continuing to advance cost-effective and clean energy, our customers, the communities we serve and the environment will benefit for decades to come,” Terry Kouba, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company, said. “Investing in renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, is one more way that our purpose – to serve customers and build strong communities – comes to life.”

Alliant sees wind as a means to provide long-term savings to its customers. These new projects also provide significant tax revenue for local communities and lease payments to landowners.

Richland had been under construction since July 2019. With its completion, Alliant has become the third-largest utility owner-operator of regulated wind in the United States.