US electricity and natural gas utility MidAmerican Energy has unveiled plans to build a 591MW wind project, named Wind XII, in Iowa, US.
Image: MidAmerican intends to provide 100% renewable energy to its customers. Photo: Photo by Sweet Ice Cream Photography on Unsplash.
The $922m wind project, which has now been submitted to the Iowa Utilities Board for review, is planned to be completed at the end of 2020, subject to approval.
MidAmerican said it is now assessing potential sites in Iowa for the construction of the project.
Upon completion of the proposed wind energy project and with the previously announced Wind XI and repowering projects, the firm expects to provide 100% renewable energy to its provide customers on an annual basis.
MidAmerican Energy president and CEO Adam Wright said: “Wind XII will transform our 100 percent renewable energy vision from a bold dream into a reality.
“We are listening and working with our customers to put them first. Wind XII is a clear demonstration of our commitment to and investment in the cleaner, more sustainable energy future our customers want and our environment deserves.
“We have been able to invest in renewables while at the same time keeping electric rates affordable for the long term, creating a one-of-a-kind win-win solution.”
The Wind XII wind project is expected to create over 300 full-time jobs during the construction phase and a further 28 full-time jobs once the plants enters operational phase.
MidAmerican expects the Wind XII project to provide an average $6.9m per year in additional Iowa property tax payments on wind turbines as well as nearly $5.6m more in annual landowner easement payments.
Wright added: “This is an important step forward for our company, our customers and the state of Iowa.
“In addition to delivering on our promise to customers, we are also helping to make Iowa a more competitive place to do business – ensuring that our economy continues to grow and thrive.”