(Superior)– Two wind farms owned and constructed by Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative were officially dedicated today (Thursday) in a ribbon cutting ceremony.
One is located near the Green Plains Renewable Energy ethanol plant just west of Superior, site of the dedication ceremony. The other is located near the Global Ethanol plant in Lakota in Kossuth county.
Terry Bruns, President and CEO of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, says this represents the first time in the U-S that a rural electric cooperative has owned its own wind generating facility.
Bruns says it’s also a first in that it uses renewable energy to produce renewable energy, as the power generated by the turbines is used by the nearby ethanol plants.
Bruns says the two wind farms have generated more than 27 million kilowatt hours to date since they went into operation five months ago. He says the two wind farms will generate more than 71 million kilowatt hours annually.
Also speaking at today’s (Thursday’s) ceremony was U-S Congressman Tom Latham. He made reference to “cap and trade” legislation being debated on capital hill. He also emphasized the importance of exploring and utilizing all forms of renewable energy. Latham also emphasized the opportunities the renewable energy industry is bringing to the region, including the jobs that come with it.
The two wind farms represent a combined investment of 43 million dollars for Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative. Bruns says the project, six years in development, was made possible primarily through federal Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, or CREBS, and renewable energy tax credits through the state.
