EDF Renewables and Alliant Energy’s local energy company have started commercial operations at the 200MW Golden Plains wind farm in the US state of Iowa.
The project, which features 82 GE turbines, is located in Winnebago and Kossuth counties in the north central region of the state.
Golden Plains injected millions of dollars into the economy and employed hundreds of workers at the peak of construction, EDF said.
The wind farm is part of Alliant Energy’s plan to deliver 1299MW of wind generation to Iowa by the end of 2020.
EDF Renewables vice president of development for the north region Kate O’Hair said: “We are pleased to partner with Alliant Energy to deliver competitively-priced, clean energy to its customers through the Golden Plains wind project.
“The project provides an economic boost to the Iowa economy, through new construction and operations jobs, expanded tax base, and recurring, long-term income for participating landowners.”
Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company president Terry Kouba said: “Wind energy is a win for Iowans. This project benefits customers and the environment through reductions in emissions and fuel costs.
“It also gives landowners lease payments, and it helps communities through increased local tax revenue for schools and community services.”