Iowa Farms Wind Project
- Type
- Small scale wind
- Location
- Northern Iowa, USA
- Project by
- NativeEnergy
Like many residents of northern Iowa, Ruth and Ken Benjegerdes have observed the region’s transformation as wind farms appear on the landscape. These communities, once powered mostly by coal, are benefiting from increased tax revenue, job creation, and rural economic development. Young people who usually leave the towns have begun to stay. And for many farmers, wind generation is providing a critical source of income.
Now, through the Iowa Farms Wind Project, the Benjegerdes will be able to realize the benefits of wind on their own farm. Ken is the grandson of the original homesteaders, and his family has owned the land for nearly 100 years. From the porch of the house in which he was born, Ken and Ruth can look over their fields of soybeans and corn to watch their own turbine produce renewable energy.
Like Ken, Lesley Mammen also has strong ties to the region—he was born in Iowa and returned home after several years away. He and his wife, Nora, will also host a 1.6 MW turbine through the Iowa Farms Wind Project. The Mammens can see a large wind farm from their property, which inspired them to investigate wind on their own land. They will now receive important income from the lease.
How are the carbon offsets generated?
For every kWh of renewable electricity generated, one kWh less is generated by fossil fuel plants.
Read more about how carbon offsets are created
What’s the social or community value?
By purchasing offsets from distributed farmer-owned turbines Brighter Planet’s customers are helping to ensure these farms will be around for generations to come. Distributed renewable energy projects also help to stabilize the electric grid making it more robust and reliable.
How is this project additional?
The sale of offsets helps bring the upfront cost of these turbines down to a level that works for most farms, substantially increasing the adoption rate for this distributed wind technology.
Read more about ‘additional’ carbon offsets
Photo credit: NativeEnergy