Energy Fact Sheets
The Iowa Environmental Council compiles and contributes to fact sheets on a variety of subjects related to clean energy. Find fact sheets on the topics below.
Energy Storage in Iowa
As Iowa continues the transition to clean energy resources, the ability to store renewable generation for use when the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow will be essential for achieving a carbon-free electrical grid. Storage makes a more resilient energy system, minimizing the impacts from events like the August 10, 2020 derecho. With expanding storage technology and the rapidly declining costs of storage, more utility, commercial and personal applications are being realized in Iowa.
Iowa Energy Storage Fact Sheet
Key Iowa Energy Policy Issues
Iowa is a national renewable energy leader, with high levels of wind energy, longstanding energy efficiency programs, and a growing solar market. But there is potential for much more. Iowa should secure its place as a renewable energy and energy efficiency leader for years to come and ensure that Iowa reaps the environmental and economic benefits from more clean energy.
Key Energy ISSUES IN IOWA
GAS INDUSTRY PROTECTIONS - HF 555/SF 455 TALKING POINTS
Clean Energy Public Polling
A large majority of Iowans support increasing wind, solar and energy efficiency according to bipartisan poll conducted in 2014.
Iowans support clean energy
Iowa's Energy Efficiency Efforts
Energy Efficiency Fact Sheet
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Energy Efficiency Fact Sheet
SF 2311 Impact on Utility Energy Efficiency Plans
SF 2311 Impact on Jobs
SF 2311 Impact on Alliant Energy Efficiency Plans
SF 2311 Impact on MidAmerican Energy Efficiency Plans
Solar Fact Sheets
Solar energy has the potential to play a significant role in Iowa’s energy portfolio and has been gaining momentum in recent years with growth in solar projects statewide.
2022 Solar Energy Fact Sheet
real potential, ready today: solar energy in iowa - A Summary
Solar Tax Incentives
Iowa can improve access to clean energy by expanding, improving and maintaining clean energy tax incentives for farmers, businesses, residents, utilities, and communities to own or invest in solar panels to generate their own clean energy.
Resources Coming Soon
Linn County Solar Projects
Linn County has arisen as an attractive location for renewable energy projects, such as utility-scale solar. In light of the public dialogue surrounding potential solar energy projects in Linn County, it is important to note that these projects can be co-beneficial in terms of economic and environmental benefits. The fact sheet provides an overview of existing projects in the area:
LINN COUNTY SOLAR PROJECT FACT SHEET
Wind Fact Sheets
Wind in Iowa: Past, Present, Future
Iowa is a national leader in wind energy, producing the highest percentage of electricity produced by wind – 60 percent (2021) – of any state. While Iowa’s wind leadership should be applauded, significant potential remains.
2022 iowa wind energy fact sheet
Perspectives on Waste: Wind Turbines
Waste from wind turbine repurposing has raised questions about the sustainability of wind power generation. Yet the non-toxic solid waste generated from wind turbine wind production is a fraction of the dangerous waste products and polluting emissions from coal plants operating in the state.
Wind Waste Fact Sheet
Wind Potential & Economic Impacts
In 2015, the Council partnered with the Iowa Wind Energy Association (IWEA) on its release of two reports. The first report, Iowa's Wind Potential for Addressing 111(d) Goals: The Potential for Tapping Iowa's Wind Resources to Reduce CO2 Emissions, was released in May 2015 and authored by wind industry experts Dan Turner, Ph.D., and Thomas A. Wind, P.E. The second report, Economic Impacts of Wind Energy in Iowa: Four Scenarios, was released in August 2015 and authored by Dave Swenson, an associate scientist in the Department of Economics at Iowa State University. Executive summaries for both reports are below. Full reports are available on the Energy Publications page.
Iowa's wind potential: A summary
Economic impacts of wind in Iowa: a summary
Clean Communities
In early 2021, the Des Moines City Council unanimously adopted a resolution to transition the community’s electricity away from fossil fuels to clean energy sources, around-the-clock, by 2035. This 24/7 goal is thought to be the first of its kind nationwide. Learn how 24/7 carbon-free energy is different than a 'net-zero' goal or a clean energy pledge.
DES MOINES 24/7 CARBON-FREE RESOLUTION OVERVIEW
FAQ: 24/7 CARBON-FREE ENERGY
Transmission Fact Sheets
Sufficient high-voltage transmission infrastructure that can carry significant additions of wind power and solar power will is necessary to continue clean energy growth and development.
a direct line to 80% clean energy
map: Transmission lines in iowa
Proposed Transmission Lines
The Cardinal-Hickory Creek line (also known as Dubuque to Madison or MVP 5) and Lakefield to Webster projects would help bring more clean energy on the grid and increase service reliability to homes and businesses.
Cardinal-Hickory Creek (Dubuque to Madison/MVP line 5)
Cardinal Hickory: Unlocking the Midwest's Clean Energy Transition
dubuque to madison fact sheet
Dubuque to madison: three critical questions
Lakefield to Webster Project (MVP line 3)
lakefield to webster fact sheet