The annual American Clean Power Week wrapped up Friday after a week-long celebration of the growth of the clean energy industry and the recognition of how this industry is improving the country's potential for continued success.
Governor Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation declaring Aug. 15-19 as American Clean Power week in Iowa. By signing this proclamation, the Governor highlighted the impressive clean energy workforce based in the Hawkeye State.
"American Clean Power Week is dedicated to celebrating the ways that renewable energy is building a better future for Iowa, said Governor Reynolds. "Iowa leads the nation in affordable, reliable clean energy. We rank first among all states for our share of electricity produced by renewable sources, generating an impressive 59.5% from wind and sun."
Eight Iowa cities joined the Governor in issuing proclamations in celebration of American Clean Power Week. Power Up Iowa would like to thank the following Iowa cities for their participation and commitment to clean power:
- Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell
- Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott
- West Des Moines Mayor Russ Trimble
- Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh
- Cedar Falls Mayor Rob Green
- Bettendorf Mayor Robert Gallagher
- Urbandale Mayor Bob Andeweg
- Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie
Power Up Iowa brought together Iowa leaders to discuss the economic benefits of renewable energy, including jobs and workforce development, how tax revenue is used, and what renewable energy projects can do for Iowa agriculture. Their unique perspectives gave insight into the thriving and ever-growing renewable energy industry in Iowa. The full conversation can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3dQFX6Y.
"We have a lot of amazing leaders from all aspects to help support our state as we navigate this path along the renewable energy route to support sustainability from start to finish," said moderator Kathryn Kunert of MidAmerican Energy. "Their ability to think thoroughly and differently is making a difference and will continue to do so."
One way Iowa is keeping up with the ever-growing industry is with the introduction of battery energy storage systems (BESS). 2021 was the largest year on record for battery storage installations with a 200% increase in capacity from 2020. As of 2022, there are 329 projects operating across 36 states, six of which are in the Midwest, including Iowa.
"A battery energy storage system at 75 MW is roughly enough energy to power 60,000 regular homes across a four-hour period," said Mark Lennox, Project Director with NextEra Energy. "Battery energy storage systems provide two key benefits to customers: they store renewable energy so it can be released to the grid when customers need it the most and improve the reliability of the operations on the grid itself."
Delivering benefits to landowners and communities, renewable energy economic benefits are widespread across the state. The industry is responsible for increased job creation that stretches well beyond direct clean power jobs, providing a boost across the entire supply chain.
"To meet the incredible demand for renewable development we need to look at it from a research and development perspective," said Doug Hundt, President of Vermeer Corporation. "We can achieve that through partnerships with universities and other research and development firms. The investment goes way beyond just us at Vermeer. The good news is this is all housed in the State of Iowa, and those investments reach all different Iowa sectors."
Supporting roads, bridges, schools, and emergency services, renewable energy projects also increase tax revenue for community-wide improvements.
"We're in the midst of a local project here in Linn County, the Duane Arnold Solar Project. It has public hearings going on right now. There will be a vote coming up with the Board of Supervisors here in a couple of weeks," said Doug Neumann, President of Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. "In this project, there is set to be 265 construction jobs in phase one and up to 800 jobs in phase two. These jobs are meaningful to community development in and around Linn County."
Recently, American Clean Power released its Clean Power Annual Market Report demonstrating ongoing nationwide growth of the clean energy industry. The report revealed that in 2021, 5,210 Iowans were employed by the clean energy industry. That number has already grown in 2022 and is expected to continue to grow as the years go on.
"The clean energy industry is one of the leading industries in the country right now in terms of hiring veterans," said Beth Townsend, director of Iowa Workforce Development. "For a group that's near and dear to my heart, I am appreciative of the renewable energy industry for recognizing and recruiting veterans. They've got the secret sauce in terms of landing good veteran talent for these jobs."
Renewable energy is undoubtedly at the forefront of the conversation in Iowa, and American Clean Power Week was a true celebration of this.
Categories: Iowa, Energy, General