Ironwood Wind — 168 MW Wind

Positioned as the 1563rd largest power generation facility in the United States, Ironwood Wind stands out as a notable contributor to the growing landscape of renewable energy. With a capacity of 167.9 MW, this wind farm plays a critical role in harnessing wind energy, a clean and sustainable resource, helping to diversify the energy mix in a country where natural gas predominates. Commissioned in 2011 and operated by Ironwood Windpower LLC, the facility utilizes advanced wind turbine technology to convert wind energy into electricity, contributing an impressive 0.01% to the national capacity. Ironwood Wind is strategically located in a region characterized by significant wind resources, making it a part of a larger energy cluster that includes nearby facilities such as the Western Plains Wind Farm, which boasts a capacity of 280.6 MW, and CP Bloom Wind LLC at 178.2 MW. Other notable plants in the vicinity include the gas-fired Fort Dodge plant (149 MW) and several smaller wind facilities like Spearville (148.5 MW) and Spearville 3 LLC (108 MW). This regional energy ecosystem underscores the importance of wind power in balancing the grid and enhancing energy security in the area. In a national context, the United States is home to over 10,000 power plants with a total capacity of 1,386,385 MW, where gas remains the dominant fuel source. Ironwood Wind’s contribution, while modest in percentage, represents a critical step towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. As the country continues to transition towards renewable energy, facilities like Ironwood Wind play an essential role in shaping a sustainable energy future. The growth of wind power, particularly in this region, not only supports local economies but also positions the United States as a leader in innovative and environmentally friendly energy solutions.