Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) announced development of the Heartland Divide Wind Farm, a major project to expand its wind energy platform, set for completion by the end of this year. CIPCO will purchase 100% of the output from the 104-MW facility owned by an affiliate of NextEra Energy Resources, adding to its already diverse energy portfolio, which is more than 60% carbon-free.
Once operational, the 104-MW wind facility will represent CIPCO’s largest wind energy project.
“Our members want diverse energy options and CIPCO is committed to delivering safe and reliable power through a strong portfolio that incorporates renewables for the benefit of everyone,” said CIPCO CEO Bill Cherrier. “Iowa is a leader in carbon-free energy resources and CIPCO is dedicated to expanding the footprint.”
“The Heartland Divide wind project is expected to bring millions of dollars in additional revenue to landowners and local communities as it generates energy for CIPCO’s members and their customers,” added Mike O’Sullivan, senior vice president of development for NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest operator of renewable energy projects from the wind and the sun.
Once operational, the new wind farm will represent CIPCO’s largest wind energy project to date. Heartland Divide Wind represents the first time an energy facility of this size directly interconnects with CIPCO’s transmission system.
CIPCO is Iowa’s largest cooperative energy provider serving 13 electric cooperatives and associations spanning 58 of Iowa’s 99 counties. CIPCO supplies energy to its member distribution cooperatives covering a territory that stretches 300 miles diagonally across the state from the Mississippi River on the east to Shenandoah in the southwest.
CIPCO is dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to our members.
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