Midamerican wind farm
MidAmerican Energy is one of the premier wind power developers in the U.S., especially in Iowa, where it operates a vast fleet of onshore wind farms. Here's an overview:
🌬️ Wind Portfolio & Capacity
As of 2024, MidAmerican operates over 3,400 wind turbines across 34 Iowa counties, generating more than 7,600 MW—enough to power over 2.4 million households annually .
By 2022, its wind energy output exceeded the full-year electricity demand of its Iowa customers, delivering 100% renewable energy on a net basis .
Major Wind Farm Projects
Highland Wind Energy Center in O’Brien County ranks among Iowa’s largest, with 501 MW capacity from 218 Siemens 2.3 MW turbines, completed in 2015 .
The Rolling Hills Wind Farm near Massena, Iowa, offers about 444 MW and was Iowa’s largest at its completion in 2011 .
Other significant projects include Lundgren, Macksburg, Wellsburg, and Vienna II, contributing hundreds of MW in successive development phases around 2013–2016 .
The Wind PRIME Vision
MidAmerican’s Wind PRIME initiative (2022) is a proposed 2,092 MW build-out, combining wind, solar, and emerging tech like energy storage and carbon capture. It aims to deliver renewables equal to all Iowa customer demand, cut carbon emissions by ~75% from 2005 levels, and explore net-zero strategies .
This project also includes community benefits: generating over $24 million annually in property tax, and $21 million+ a year in landowner lease payments .
Economic & Community Impact
MidAmerican has invested nearly $14–15 billion in wind and solar since 2004, while keeping costs net-zero for customers .
In 2024, landowners received about $45 million in lease payments, while $54 million went to property taxes, supporting schools and public services across Iowa’s rural communities .
The company is now considering adding 8–16 more turbines in Ida County to leverage existing infrastructure and community relationships .
Challenges & Resilience
In January 2025, MidAmerican addressed lubricant residue on a turbine at the Vienna Wind Farm, clarifying it was non-hazardous and would be cleaned up post-winter .
In May 2024, a rare tornado damaged five turbines at the Orient Wind Farm, including one fire. While built to withstand high winds, turbines are not designed to endure a direct strike from a violent twister—prompting potential review of design standards .
Why It Matters
Iowa leads the nation in wind energy share—about 59% of its electricity came from wind in 2023—thanks to strong policy frameworks and MidAmerican’s investment .
Wind power has stabilized electricity rates, with MidAmerican’s Iowa rates running about 39–42% below national average due to zero fuel costs and renewable investments .
It provides a stable income for farmers (e.g., typical lease earnings of $25K–30K per turbine per year) and boosts rural tax revenues — a win-win for communities .
📝 Summary
MidAmerican Energy’s wind farms exemplify large-scale renewable energy deployment with significant environmental, economic, and community benefits. From major projects like Highland and Rolling Hills to its ambitious Wind PRIME expansion plan, the company is positioning Iowa for a decarbonized future while delivering affordable power and rural prosperity.