Des Moines, IA –The newly released Clean Power Annual Market Report from the American Clean Power Association (ACP) shows that Iowa has once again maintained its leadership position in clean energy in 2023. Iowa secured its place on the podium with a 60.6% share of electricity produced by renewable energy sources, contributing to the nation’s record year for clean power installations.
“Renewable energy is crucial to enhancing local economic development,” said Ron Corbett, Vice President of Economic Development, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “Continued growth of Iowa’s renewable energy portfolio makes our communities stronger, and our economy more robust.”
Clean power is growing rapidly in the U.S., with 123 new manufacturing facilities or facility expansions. This includes the reopening of TPI Composites in Newton, which reached a 10-year contract with GE Renewables to produce wind turbine blades. Siemens Gamesa in Fort Madison has also reopened with a new high-capacity wind turbine blade that will outlast the standard lifetime of blades. Overall, these facilities represent over $35 billion in capital investment and will support nearly 42,000 new manufacturing jobs across the nation.
The renewable energy industry employs Veterans at a 60% to 80% higher rate than the average workforce,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “As a Veteran, it is incredible to see an industry so committed to hiring fellow Veterans in our state. It is not surprising then that Iowa leads the country in the share of electricity produced by renewable energy.”
Ranking first in renewable energy production has brought $61.5 million in property, state, and local taxes to Iowa communities, providing funds for schools, infrastructure, and emergency management. The benefits don’t end there: the state has a clean energy workforce of 5,500, and clean energy projects provide more than $73 million in annual land-lease payments to farmers and landowners. Following National Agriculture Week, that is something to celebrate.
“Iowa’s renewable energy-friendly counties reap the benefits of clean energy projects every day,” said Randy Dreher, farmer in Audubon County. “Our rural communities are seeing an influx of tax revenue that supports our public schools, revitalization projects, and our emergency services.”
The numbers in this new report speak for themselves: Iowa continues to move towards a brighter, successful future, and it’s all thanks to clean energy.
The full report can be viewed at https://cleanpower.org/market-report-2023/.
