Energy Fact Sheets
The Iowa Environmental Council compiles and contributes to fact sheets on a variety of subjects related to clean energy. Find fact sheets on the topics below.
Solar Fact Sheets
Solar energy has the potential to play a significant role in Iowa’s energy portfolio and has been gaining momentum in recent years with growth in solar projects statewide.
2023 Solar Energy Fact Sheet
Wind Fact Sheets
Wind in Iowa: Past, Present, Future
Iowa is a national leader in wind energy, producing the highest percentage of electricity produced by wind — 64% (2023) — of any state. While Iowa’s wind leadership should be applauded, significant potential remains.
2023 iowa wind energy fact sheet
Perspectives on Waste: Wind Turbines
Waste from wind turbine repurposing has raised questions about the sustainability of wind power generation. Yet the non-toxic solid waste generated from wind turbine wind production is a fraction of the dangerous waste products and polluting emissions from coal plants operating in the state.
Wind Waste Fact Sheet
Electric Vehicles in Iowa
Electric vehicles are the future for cleaner transportation nationwide. In Iowa, an increasing number of electric vehicles hit the road every year, growing demand for charging stations across the state.
2022 Electric vehicle Fact Sheet
Energy Storage in Iowa
As Iowa continues the transition to clean energy resources, the ability to store renewable generation for use when the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow will be essential for achieving a carbon-free electrical grid. Storage makes a more resilient energy system, minimizing the impacts from events like the 2020 Derecho. With expanding storage technology and the rapidly declining costs of storage, more utility, commercial and personal applications are being realized in Iowa.
Iowa Energy Storage Fact Sheet
Clean Communities
In early 2021, the City of Des Moines adopted a communitywide 24/7 carbon-free electricity resolution to transition the city's electricity away from fossil fuels by 2035. This resolution is thought to be the first of its kind nationwide. Since then, two other cities in Iowa have followed suit: Waterloo and Windsor Heights. Learn how 24/7 carbon-free energy differs from other clean energy pledges in our FAQ below, as well as how the City of Des Moines was able to build support and ultimately adopt this resolution.
DES MOINES 24/7 CARBON-FREE RESOLUTION OVERVIEW
FAQ: 24/7 CARBON-FREE ENERGY
The IRA includes provisions that make communities currently hosting, or have recently hosted, coal plants prime areas for renewable energy development that can retain local jobs and replace lost tax revenues. Learn more about these opportunities and how they can benefit Iowa communities.
Coal Communities Fact Sheet
Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency Fact Sheet
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Energy Efficiency Fact Sheet
Grid Reliability
Many wonder how we can build a reliable and resilient power system using those resources to fully decarbonize the electric sector. Grid operators have already shown that utilities can maintain or even improve electricity reliability by responsibly building out a mix of renewable and battery resources, and their studies show that reliability can further improve with much larger additions. Learn more about what this means for Iowa:
BUILDING A RELIABLE AND RESILIENT 21ST CENTURY ELECTRIC GRID
The Real Reason the Midwest is Facing Potential Blackouts this Summer (2022)
Transmission Fact Sheets
Sufficient high-voltage transmission infrastructure that can carry significant additions of wind power and solar power will is necessary to continue clean energy growth and development. Learn more about upcoming transmission projects:
MISO’s Long Range Transmission Planning in Iowa: Tranche 1
Find full reports and more on IEC's Energy Publications page!