RENEWABLE ENERGY
The state of Iowa and its renewable energy companies are leading the race to become the renewable energy capital of the nation. Iowa's strong agricultural foundation and its legacy of manufacturing excellence have positioned the state to lead the nation in the following industries: wind energy, renewable fuels — ethanol & biodiesel, biomass, and other next generation technologies.
Iowa ranks first in the nation in the production of ethanol, second in the production of biodiesel and second overall in wind generation output. Iowa accounts for over 30 percent of all U.S. ethanol production and over 25 percent of U.S. Biodiesel production, and leads the nation in production of raw biomass as well. Iowa leads the nation in the percentage of electricity generated by wind, and was presented the 2008 State Leadership Award by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) for its leadership in advancing America's wind energy industry.
Iowa's top position in powering the nation with clean, renewable energy has been years in the making. In the late 1990s, Iowa was among the first states to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which mandated that regulated utilities in the state derive a certain percentage of their overall energy portfolio from renewable sources. Recently, Iowa has heavily invested in the renewable energy industry by creating the Office of Energy Independence [www.energy.iowa.gov/OEI/] $100 million Iowa Power Fund [www.energy.iowa.gov/Power_Fund/] to attract cutting-edge renewable energy research and development and through its $500 million Grow Iowa Values Fund to offer businesses the financial and technical the footing needed to succeed.
Iowans also realize that establishing the infrastructure is just as important as innovation when it comes to renewable fuel. The Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Board oversees the grant program authorizing grants to assist retail and wholesale fuel dealers with E85 infrastructure or blender pumps.
Learn more about Iowa's leadership in renewable energy, research, and by downloading Iowa's brochure: Renewable Energy: The future of energy starts here [PDF: 4.66MB].
IOWA is uniquely positioned to become the renewable energy capital of the world!
Iowa's agricultural industry is helping to feed and fuel the world. Iowa's corn, soybeans and windy plains are powering our vehicles and homes and positioning our state for energy independence.
Iowa Biomass
- Iowa is "First in the Nation" in raw biomass production nationwide.
- Iowa currently has the ability to harvest 32.7 million dry tons of biomass per year.
- According to the USDA, fuels created from biomass will increase to 10 percent in 2020 and 20 percent in 2030.
Next Generation Technology
- Governor Culver and the Iowa Legislature created the Office of Energy Independence [www.energy.iowa.gov/OEI/] and the Iowa Power Fund [www.energy.iowa.gov/Power_Fund/], a $100 million program to attract cutting edge renewable energy research and development in the state.
- POET and DuPont are creating the "First in the Nation" cellulosic ethanol facility in Emmetsburg. Research has demonstrated that cellulose produces an energy yield three times higher than corn grain ethanol because it uses everything - including the corn stalks and leaves - to generate the energy.
Other Targeted Industries
- Advanced Manufacturing — Industries dedicated to the rapid introduction of new processes, materials and technologies to manufacturing applications.
- Biosciences — Industries involved in the application of biological and biochemical sciences to plants, animals, processed foods and humans.
- Information Technology / Financial Services — Businesses are experiencing huge growth in the insurance and financial services/ information technology industry.
To Learn More:
Phone: 515.725.3100 or 800.245.4692
E-mail: business@iowa.gov