IPL Acquires Wind Energy Development Site in Iowa

US utility Interstate Power and Light, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy, has acquired a wind development site located in north central Iowa from Missouri-based wind energy developer Wind Capital Group.

The company said that the site, which is located in Franklin County, near Hampton, Iowa has the potential to produce up to 200MW of emissions-free wind-generated electricity when completely developed. The acquisition represents Interstate Power and Light’s (IPL) first company-owned wind generation site.

IPL expects to invest approximately $360 million to $440 million to add up to 200MW of company-owned wind generation in Iowa by 2010. The company is continuing to explore various sites across its Iowa and Minnesota service areas for wind development opportunities. The company expects to begin construction on the first 100MW of wind generation in 2009.

Tom Aller, president of IPL, said: “We are pleased to play a role in expanding Iowa’s role as the leader in renewable energy. The acquisition of this site located in the heartland of Iowa provides a significant economic development opportunity for our company and the state of Iowa. Wind generation is critical to our company’s long-term generation growth strategy and continues to serve as the centerpiece of Iowa’s growing renewable energy economy.”