Iowa Governor Culver To Receive Wind Energy Award

Will accept award on behalf of IDED

June 3, 2008 -- HOUSTON, TX – Tonight, during a special award ceremony, Iowa Governor Chet Culver will receive the 2008 State Leadership Award from the American Wind Energy Association. The Governor will accept the award on behalf of the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) for their work to promote wind energy throughout the state.

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Iowa wind turbines: Photo by Mark Evans (CC)

“This is an honor I accept on behalf of all Iowans who believe we can lead the nation in wind energy and become the renewable energy capital of the United States,” said Governor Culver. “Iowa is leading the way to energy independence. We are home to six companies who have decided to locate or expand their wind manufacturing operations in Iowa. And we have added more than 2000 green-collar jobs to our economy in just the last 17 months. We have come a long way, and as Governor, I am committed to keeping Iowa as the national leader in wind, and all forms, of renewable energy.”

Since taking office, Governor Culver has made wind energy a major component of his plans to make Iowa the national leader in renewable energy research, development, and production. Over the past 17 months, more than 2000 green-collar jobs have been added to Iowa’s economy.

Six major wind energy manufacturers have located or plan to locate or expand their wind manufacturing operations in Iowa – Acciona in West Branch, Siemens USA in Fort Madison, Clipper Wind in Cedar Rapids, Hendricks Industries in Keokuk, and TPI Components and Trinity Industries in Newton.

Iowa is number one in the nation in wind generation as percentage of total generation, with 5.5% (1,271 MW) of its total electricity generated by wind power facilities. The state’s strong manufacturing base, excellent transportation infrastructure and skilled workforce have made it attractive to manufacturers. In addition, Governor Culver’s signature $100 million renewable energy program -- the Iowa Power Fund – and the new Office of Energy Independence promote the state’s burgeoning wind industry and provide grants to companies and researchers in Iowa who are fostering renewable energy within the state.

The State Leadership Award is awarded to state agencies or organizations who work to promote the use and production of wind energy in the United States. The award was presented at the WINDPOWER 2008 Conference & Exhibition, which is the world’s largest annual wind energy industry event.

More than 10,000 wind industry leaders, policymakers and energy professionals are in attendance. There will be over 770 exhibitors, including wind power plant developers, turbine manufacturers, and the full range of supply chain manufacturers. Attendees will learn about industry successes as well as actions needed to expand wind’s contribution to 20% of U.S. electricity supply by 2030—a level that a recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy says is technically and economically feasible. For more information, visit the WINDPOWER 2008 web site at www.windpowerexpo.org.

Source: Iowa Governor