Wind energy company lays out turbine plans
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By IVY BICE
DIAGONAL, Iowa — During Diagonal’s school board meeting last Wednesday, Alex Ingelsrud, of Steelhead Americas, presented information about the company’s proposed wind energy project in Ringgold County, which has been in development for approximately three years.
The company is exploring a project consisting of 65 wind turbines with a targeted generating capacity of 290 megawatts. Construction is tentatively planned for 2031, depending on permitting, equipment procurement and necessary transmission infrastructure.
Ingelsrud said the company has secured leases covering approximately 13,000 acres and has received positive results from its transmission studies. However, the project still faces regulatory obstacles, particularly Ringgold County’s wind energy ordinance.
“The rules for the wind ordinance in Ringgold County pretty much make wind development impossible,” Ingelsrud told the board, referring to setback requirements for roads and property lines.
He explained that the current regulations have also prevented the company from obtaining approval for two meteorological towers, which would collect wind speed and weather data needed to evaluate the project. The company is seeking waivers from neighboring property owners to move forward with the towers.
Ingelsrud said changes to local regulations would be necessary for the wind project to be built.
The presentation outlined potential financial benefits for local taxing entities, including school districts. According to the company’s estimates, the completed project could generate more than $4 million annually in local property taxes and approximately $2 million annually for the school districts combined.
The amount received by each school district would depend on the final turbine locations and the project’s eventual design.
Ingelsrud said the estimated tax revenue could provide additional financial resources for schools, including funding that could help with expenses such as teacher salaries.
He also discussed potential landowner payments, construction activity and long-term employment associated with the project. The company anticipates a roughly 30-year operating period, with provisions for either future equipment replacement or decommissioning.
During questions from board members, Ingelsrud discussed how electricity generated by the project could enter regional power markets. He said the eventual buyers of the electricity have not yet been determined.
The presentation was informational, and the board did not take action on the proposed wind project.
