Energy in Iowa
overview about energy in Iowa
Iowa is one of the largest states by electric production and the largest one that does not produce petroleum.
In 2021, Iowa had a total summer capacity of 21,771 MW through all of its power plants, and in 2022 Iowa had a net generation of 71,316 gigawatt-hours. The corresponding electrical energy generation mix was 62.4% wind, 25.4% coal, 9.2% natural gas, 1.6% hydroelectric, 1% solar, 0.2% petroleum and 0.3% biomass. Small-scale solar, which includes customer-owned photovoltaic panels, delivered 308 GWh to the state's electrical grid.
Iowa has been among the top-five energy-consuming states, due in large part to its productive agriculture industry. State regulators implemented the nation's first renewable portfolio standard (RPS) applied to investor-owned utilities in 1983. The goal of 105 megawatts was soon met, and was exceeded nearly 100 times over by the end of 2019. All electrical utility customers have had the option to support further expansion of renewable generation since 2004, and regulators have also taken steps to encourage greater efficiency of energy use. Iowa has produced more electricity than it has consumed since 2008.
Ethanol
In 2022, Iowa was estimated to produce 4,500,000,000 U.S. gallons (1.7×1010 L) of ethanol per year, a quarter of the national capacity.
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