Prairie Wind Farm, with a capacity of 168 MW, holds an important position as the 1556th largest power generation facility in the United States. This wind power plant, commissioned in 2018 and operated by MidAmerican Energy Co, ranks 222nd among the 1142 wind facilities in the country. Its contribution, while representing a mere 0.01% of the national capacity of 1,386,385 MW, exemplifies the growing role of wind energy as a critical component of the United States' energy portfolio. Prairie Wind Farm is strategically located within a region characterized by a diverse energy landscape, with notable nearby facilities such as the Ottumwa coal plant, which boasts a substantial capacity of 725.9 MW, and several other wind plants including North English (340 MW) and English Farms (171.5 MW). This proximity to both fossil fuel and renewable sources exemplifies the transitional nature of the regional energy mix. The dominance of natural gas in the national energy profile poses challenges and opportunities for wind energy, as the industry seeks to increase its share amid competition from gas and coal. Prairie Wind Farm represents not just a clean energy source, but also a step towards achieving national and state-level sustainability goals. The operator, MidAmerican Energy Co, has made significant investments in renewable resources, reflecting a commitment to a greener future. As wind technology continues to evolve and expand, Prairie Wind Farm is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the energy landscape in Iowa and beyond. The facility serves as a beacon of hope for the renewable energy sector, demonstrating that even modest contributions can positively impact the environment and local economies.
8 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Wind
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
United States of America — Energy ProfileWind power generation harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to produce electricity, making it one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources globally. This process begins with wind turbines, which consist of large blades mounted on a tower. As the wind blows, it causes the blades to rotate, transforming the wind's kinetic energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy through a generator connected to the turbine. The efficiency of wind turbines has significantly improved over the past decades, with modern designs capable of generating power even at low wind speeds.
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.