Situated in the heart of Iowa, the Wellsburg Wind Project is a noteworthy wind power generation facility with a capacity of 140.8 MW. Ranking as the 1744th largest power plant in the United States, it occupies a unique position in a country with a staggering 10,047 plants and a total capacity of 1,386,385 MW, where gas remains the dominant fuel. This facility, commissioned in 2014, demonstrates the growing trend towards renewable energy sources, particularly wind, in a landscape that is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. As the 324th largest wind power plant in the nation, Wellsburg Wind Project contributes a modest 0.01% to the national energy capacity, but its impact is amplified within the local energy ecosystem. The project is strategically located near several other power generation facilities, including the Marshalltown Generating Station, which operates on gas with a significant capacity of 705.9 MW, and the Whispering Willow Wind Farm - East, boasting 199.7 MW. The presence of these nearby plants highlights a diverse energy portfolio in the region, where wind energy complements gas generation, enhancing grid reliability and resilience. As part of a broader trend in the United States, the Wellsburg Wind Project aligns with efforts to transition towards cleaner energy sources, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's operation is managed by MidAmerican Energy Co, a key player in advancing sustainable energy solutions. With wind energy's potential for growth, Wellsburg Wind Project not only supports local energy needs but also demonstrates the viability of wind power as an integral component of the United States' energy future. As the nation moves towards ambitious renewable energy targets, facilities like Wellsburg will be instrumental in diversifying the energy mix and achieving sustainability goals.
12 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.
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