ADAMS COUNTY, IA (KELO-AM) MidAmerican Energy says it's built the largest land-based wind turbine in the United States.
The concrete wind turbine at MidAmerican's wind farm in Adams County, Iowa, is 379 feet tall from ground to hub. With blades extended it is taller than the Washington Monument.
The company created a video of the construction using time-lapse footage, aerial photography and behind-the-scenes action.
Mike Gehringer, vice president, renewable energy, said the 2.415-megawatt concrete turbine featured in the video is a prototype that will allow MidAmerican Energy to evaluate the amount of additional wind energy that can be generated at higher altitudes.
“We want to continue to be a leader in bringing innovative energy solutions to our customers and the state of Iowa,” Gehringer said. “Through investment in new methods and new technologies, we’ll move closer to our vision of supplying customers with 100 percent renewable energy.”
The concrete turbine is one of 64 wind turbines at the 154-megawatt Adams wind farm. With blades extended, the turbine reaches a height of 557 feet.