This story was originally published by Alyssa Guzman with The Daily Iowan.
At the end of the 2014 year, Iowa produced 28.5 percent of its electricity from wind energy, making it No. 1 in wind energy throughout the nation.
Sri Sritharan, professor of civil, construction, and environmental engineering as well as associate head for graduate study and research says the state’s success comes from its ability to produce all three components locally.
“Iowa was the first to have companies in state to produce all three components for wind energy — the tower, the turbine itself, and the blade,” Sritharan said. “In terms of purchasing and shipping, that’s going to be attractive.”
Sritharan said that all these parts being locally manufactured helps with both production and installation of wind generators, especially since some of the parts are costly to transport.
Not only does Iowa excel at production and installation, but its location makes it optimal because of its high wind speeds.
The amount of wind energy produced in the state is expected to increase by 30% by the end of the year.