Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) has announced the development of the Heartland Divide Wind Farm, set for completion by the end of this year.
CIPCO will purchase 100% of the power from the 104 MW wind farm from an affiliate of NextEra Energy Resources. The project – adding to CIPCO’s already diverse energy portfolio, which is more than 60% carbon-free – will directly interconnect with the co-op’s transmission system.
“Our members want diverse energy options, and CIPCO is committed to delivering safe and reliable power through a strong portfolio that incorporates renewables for the benefit of everyone,” states CIPCO’s CEO, Bill Cherrier. “Iowa is a leader in carbon-free energy resources, and CIPCO is dedicated to expanding the footprint.”
“We are pleased to extend our relationship with CIPCO, co-owner of our nuclear plant in Iowa, the Duane Arnold Energy Center, to build another project Iowa can be proud of,” adds Mike O’Sullivan, senior vice president of development for NextEra Energy Resources. “The Heartland Divide wind project is expected to bring millions of dollars in additional revenue to landowners and local communities as it generates clean, renewable energy for CIPCO’s members and their customers.”
Once operational, the facility will represent CIPCO’s largest wind energy project to date. CIPCO serves 13 electric cooperatives and associations spanning 58 of Iowa’s 99 counties.
