Iowa State-Texas football game to showcase Power of Wind Energy

As the No. 1 state for wind farm penetration with a full 20 percent of its electricity coming from wind turbines, Iowa has quickly become Exhibit A showing how wind can be a major contributor to the nation’s power mix, particularly with the implementation of sound policy. The football game is the Showcase Event in an ongoing initiative, entitled, "Wind – Moving Iowa Forward," to educate the public on the power of wind.

For the game, the stadium will be 100-percent powered by wind through the purchase of Green-e-certified Renewable Energy Certificates to offset energy used. During a game break, AWEA and Iowa State’s College of Engineering will join MidAmerican Energy, ITC Midwest, and Siemens for live, on-field recognition of their work in wind power. Those companies, all of whom play a prominent role in the wind energy industry, will host a Pre-Game Hospitality Tent as well. In addition to those and other festivities, radio interviews with wind power leaders will take place throughout the day on the Cyclone Radio Network, including one with long-time industry executive and AWEA board member David Drescher of Exelon Power.

Iowa was the first state to implement a renewable energy target, and now it’s reaping the benefits. Over 200 wind-related businesses operate in 55 Iowa counties, and the wind industry has meant $5 billion to Iowa’s economy, including more than $11 million a year to Iowa family farmers and ranchers.

Beyond all of the festivities, the Iowa State-Texas game includes still more meaning when it comes to wind power. While Iowa leads the nation in wind penetration, Texas is tops in total wind installations, with over 10,000 MW deployed. Thus, the game pits the two No. 1 wind power states against each other, creating a true "Wind Bowl" championship at Jack Trice Stadium.

AWEA is the national trade association of America’s wind industry, with more than 2,500 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers, and the world’s largest wind power trade show. AWEA is the voice of wind energy in the U.S., promoting renewable energy to power a cleaner, stronger America.

www.awea.org/