MidAmerican Energy Company announced today it plans to build 310 megawatts of wind energy generation facilities in Iowa, the largest land-based wind project in the world. The project will consist of 180 to 200 wind turbines, each generating approximately 1.5 to 1.65 megawatts. A site has yet to be selected, but the facilities are expected to be located in the northwest or north-central portion of the state. The project also will require investment in associated energy transmission facilities. Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack has stated his goal for Iowa to become energy independent and to develop into a national leader in renewable energy. The governor labeled MidAmericans announcement a huge step toward achieving both goals. Although wind is an intermittent generation source, 310 megawatts of wind capacity provides enough electricity on average to power approximately 85,000 homes. I have challenged regulators, business professionals and utility companies in Iowa to work toward achieving 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2010, which will require the addition of more than 500 megawatts of renewable energy facilities, Vilsack said. I am pleased that MidAmerican is taking a leadership role in that effort. Now that just plain rocks. It's nice to see some good news these days. MidAmerican to build Largest Wind Farm in the World | 
