IDWGP

Iowa Distributed Wind Generation Project

A consortium of Iowa utilities is committed to making this image a reality by pioneering an effort to bring a cleaner, more environmentally friendly power source to its customers. We know that renewable energy will be an integral part of our energy mix in the next century. By investing in this cleaner source of power now, we are securing a healthier environment for our future.     History           Planning for the wind farm project began in June 1997 with an announcement from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) that a $2.8 Million agreement had been reached with Cedar Falls Utilities, which had acted as the agent for a consortium of seven municipal utilities known as the Iowa Distributed Wind Generation Project (IWDGP).         Cedar Falls Utilities, Algona Municipal Utilities, City of Estherville, City of Westfield, Ellsworth Municipal Electric, Fonda Municipal Electric, and Montezuma Municipal Light and Power formed the IDWGP. This consortium of municipal utilities is the first of its kind. The IDWGP is a result of the member utilities' common belief that new electric industy restructuring legislation will include mandates for non-hydro renewable generation resources. The IDWGP believes this wind farm project will demonstrate their proactive approach to renewable energy resources before it becomes mandated by law.         The Iowa Distributed Wind Generation Project's mission is to work together to improve the environment by reducing the amount of air pollutants associated with fossil fuel-generated electricity, while sharing this abundant energy source.    Project Overview    The wind farm is located near Algona, Iowa because of its more favorable wind resource. Wind speeds of over 9 mph are required to generate electricity. The Algona site averages 16.5 mph. The wind farm project is home to three Zond Z-750 wind turbines mounted on 165-foot towers - the largest commercial turbines manufactured in the United States. The new wind turbines employ variable speed and variable pitch technology to take best advantage of winds common to the Midwest. The three turbines combined are capable of producing a total of 2,250 Kilowatts (kW).     Power from this project will be transported over existing regional electrical transmission lines to end users, the wind farm began producing electricity in October of 1998.     Cedar Falls Utilities is the leading utility on the project, with responsibilities including submission of all project construction progress reports, operating reports, financial reports and technical papers to the Electric Power Research Institute. Algona Municipal Utilities has contracted with the project to be the operations and maintenance managing entity.     Funding     The IDWGP partners, the Electric Power Research Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy support funding for this project.     Special Recognition     We would like to give special recognition to Ellen Raney, the landowner, and Tom Altman, the lessee, for the land used in the wind farm project.