🌱 Top 5 Clean-Energy Stories This Week
1. Iowa Utility Launches 250 MW Wind Farm in O’Brien County
MidAmerican Energy announced commercial operations of its new 250 MW wind project in northwest Iowa. The O’Brien Wind Farm includes over 100 turbines and is expected to power about 100,000 homes. Company leaders say the project solidifies Iowa’s leadership in clean power and provides millions in property taxes for local schools and infrastructure.
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2. U.S. Solar Installations Surge 35% in First Half of 2025
The Solar Energy Industries Association reports that nationwide solar installations grew 35% year over year, reaching nearly 12 GW of new capacity. Iowa contributed more than 400 MW, primarily from large-scale agricultural projects integrating solar arrays with crop production. Analysts credit falling costs and the Inflation Reduction Act’s incentives.
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3. Iowa Farmers Embrace Agrivoltaics as a Hedge Against Volatile Crop Prices
More than 50 Iowa farms have partnered with developers to install elevated solar panels over soybeans and hay fields. These “agrivoltaic” systems generate supplemental income while improving soil moisture retention. Farmers say the projects help them weather commodity price swings and extreme weather linked to climate change.
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4. U.K. and Norway Complete World’s Longest Undersea Power Link
National Grid and Statnett finished the 450-mile North Sea Link, a massive undersea cable connecting renewable energy between Britain and Norway. The $3 billion project will stabilize supply during wind or hydro fluctuations. Though international, the project highlights how grid interconnection helps decarbonization everywhere, including the Midwest.
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5. U.S. Senate Passes Clean Energy Tax-Credit Extension Bill
The Senate narrowly approved an extension of key tax credits for wind and solar projects through 2030. Advocates say the bill will protect thousands of planned Iowa installations. Opponents warn of budgetary impacts, but developers and farm groups welcomed the certainty to keep expanding renewable generation.
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