In a related development, Mortensen announced it has been selected by MidAmerican to build the Ivester Wind Farm in addition to the Arbor Hill Wind Farm. The two projects are part of MidAmerican’s $3.6 billion Wind XI project, the company's broader plan to install 2,000 MW of wind energy in Iowa by 2019. The new Arbor Hill and Ivester wind farms will be Mortenson’s 16th and 17th wind projects built in the state for MidAmerican Energy.
Ivester Wind Farm will consist of 35 Siemens-Gamesa wind turbines. Ivester is expected to be completed by the end of 2018, generating 91 MW — enough energy to power more than 38,000 average Iowa homes. The proposed project encompasses nearly 7,000 acres of land in Grundy County, approximately 85 miles northeast of Des Moines, Iowa.
To be located in Adair County, the Arbor Hill wind farm will use 125 turbines with tower hub heights of 95m and a combined capacity of 250 MW. Equipment for the project will be provided by Danish firm, Vestas.
“We continue to have a strong relationship with MidAmerican Energy and look forward to helping them reach their goal of serving their customers’ electricity demand with 100 percent renewable energy,” said Tim Maag, vice president and general manager for Mortenson’s Wind Energy Group. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of Iowa’s wind energy revolution.”
Kate O’Hair, vice president of development for EDF Renewables’ North Region, stated, “We are pleased to once again work with MidAmerican Energy to assist them in meeting their renewable energy goals. This opportunity expands on our long-term business relationship, having partnered on 771 MW of wind facilities in Iowa.”
