Overview
Laurel Wind Farm is an operational onshore wind facility in Iowa, United States, owned by MidAmerican Energy Co. With a capacity of 119.6 MW, it contributes to the state's renewable energy portfolio.
Laurel Wind Farm is an operational onshore wind facility located in Iowa, United States. Owned by MidAmerican Energy Co, the farm has a capacity of 119.6 MW, positioning it as a medium-scale wind project within the region. The facility harnesses wind energy to generate electricity, supporting the local grid and renewable energy goals. The wind farm utilizes modern wind turbine technology to convert kinetic energy from wind into electrical power. Iowa is a leading state in wind energy production, benefiting from favorable wind resources and supportive policies such as the federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) and state Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US energy market, including grid interconnection standards and environmental permitting. Laurel Wind Farm plays a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. It contributes to Iowa's renewable energy capacity, which helps meet state-level renewable energy targets. The facility's operation also provides economic benefits through job creation and land lease payments to local landowners.
Environmental context
The wind farm is situated in an agricultural region of Iowa, where land use is primarily for farming. Wind turbines have a low visual impact compared to other energy infrastructure but can affect bird and bat populations. Proper siting and operational measures, such as curtailment during migration periods, help mitigate these impacts. The facility supports climate goals by generating clean energy without air or water pollution.
Frequently asked questions
Laurel Wind Farm is located in Iowa, United States, at coordinates 41.8833 N, -92.9333 W.
Laurel Wind Farm has a capacity of 119.6 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale wind energy facility.
Laurel Wind Farm is owned by MidAmerican Energy Co, a major utility company in the United States.
Wind farms in the US operate under federal policies like the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). They must also comply with environmental regulations and grid interconnection standards.
By generating 119.6 MW of clean electricity, Laurel Wind Farm helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and supports Iowa's renewable energy targets.