Tuesday, June 24, 2008

MidAmerican Developing $300 Million Wind Farm In Carroll County

MidAmerican Energy is developing a 100-turbine wind-power project in Carroll County that will stretch from just inside Carroll’s two-mile limit to Breda.

The $300 million turbine project started in recent days with the construction of access roads and other initial work, Tom Budler, Mid-American’s general manager for wind power, said.

MidAmerican plans to move swiftly on the project.

“It will absolutely be on the line by the end of 2008,” Budler said.

He said the electricity generated from the wind project could provide power to about 75,000 homes. The nearly 400-foot towers will sweep majestically from farmland to the Carroll County sky, with just about all 100 being visible on a drive from Carroll to Breda on U.S. 71.

MidAmerican already has 66 turbines in Carroll and Crawford Counties. As of now, the company has no plans to move beyond the 166 total turbines. But by the end of the year, Carroll County will be a major player in the wind-energy scene with the 100-turbine addition.

“I see them as part of the future of energy in this area,” said Carroll Mayor Jim Pedelty.

This story cross-posted at Iowa Independent.com.