Iowa led the Nation for its Wind Installations in 2Q22
#3 Nationwide for its Operating Clean Power Capacity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. PAUL, MINN. (August 16, 2022) – This August 15-19 is American Clean Power Week, a nationwide celebration of clean energy and the many ways that homegrown, affordable and reliable clean energy is building a better future for the nation. As clean energy powers homes and businesses, creates jobs, invests in rural communities, and reduces costs for consumers, a clean energy economy is being built.
According to the American Clean Power Association (ACPA) second quarter 2022 report, there is more than 211 gigawatts of clean power operating across the country, which includes wind, solar and energy storage. That's enough to power 58 million homes.
Clean Power Delivers Jobs and Economic Development for Iowa
Iowa led the nation for land-based wind installations with 207 MW of wind coming on-line in the second quarter. Overall, the Hawkeye State has 12,591 MW of operating clean power capacity coming from wind, solar and energy storage plants, with renewables comprising 59.5 percent of all electricity produced in Iowa. Iowa's clean power industry has created 5,300 good-paying jobs, and currently powers 4 million homes across the state. Iowa ranks 3rd in the nation for its operating wind, solar and storage capacity.
"The clean energy industry is not only providing affordable, reliable power where we live and work, it is also powering good-paying American jobs across all 50 states and driving investment into local communities," said Clean Grid Alliance Vice President of Advocacy Jeff Danielson. Wind, solar and storage projects have invested $23 billion into the economy in Iowa. In 2022, another $69.6 million in land-lease payments and $58.4 million in property, state and local taxes have been paid by clean power projects. Danielson added, "We are driving the transition to a clean energy economy by delivering our Midwest renewable energy to consumers. Supporting clean energy means supporting the prosperity of Iowa's communities and economy."
On a regional level, the nine northern states in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) footprint have 12,024 MW of clean power capacity in advanced stages of development, which makes up more than 13% of the national clean power pipeline.
"The renewable energy industry is one of the fastest-growing industries, hiring and employing thousands of Americans nationwide, while helping secure our future energy independence and investing in American businesses to boot," said Clean Grid Alliance Executive Director Beth Soholt.
Wind, solar and energy storage provide jobs for nearly 443,000 people nationwide and have invested $145 billion into the U.S. economy in 2021.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: CGA has staff members available for interviews about the status of renewable energy development and policy matters in Iowa. Please contact Kelley Welf, 651-644-3400, or via email at kwelf@cleangridalliance.org to schedule an interview.
Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minn., whose mission is to advance renewable energy in the Midwest. Launched in 2001, CGA has been active in the MISO process at the state and regional levels and is a leading organization working on transforming state energy policy. CGA's members include wind, solar and storage developers, environmental nonprofit organizations, public interest groups, clean energy advocates, farm groups, and businesses providing goods and services to the renewable energy industry. Learn more at cleangridalliance.org.
