Alternative Energy

Iowa is the nation’s premier leader in the renewable energy industry.   Iowa's strong agricultural foundation and its legacy of manufacturing excellence have positioned the state to excel in the following industries: wind energy, renewable fuels — ethanol & biodiesel, biomass, and other next generation technologies.

Iowa is aggressively focused on the development of the 21st century bioeconomy in the conversion of agricultural crops, biomass and byproducts into bio-based products that produce biofuels, biochemicals, plastics, adhesives, as well as novel food and feed products.

• Iowa ranks 1st in the nation in the production of ethanol

• Iowa ranks 4th in the nation in the production of biodiesel

• Iowa ranks 2nd in the nation in wind generation output

Iowa accounts for about 25 percent of all U.S. ethanol production and leads the nation in production of raw biomass.  In addition, in 2008, the state was awarded the State Leadership Award by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) for its leadership in advancing America's wind energy industry.

Financial Assistance

Grow Iowa Values Financial Assistance Program — Serves as the funding source for projects that are focused on job creation or retention, value-added agriculture and entrepreneurial efforts. This program, combined with Iowa’s nationally recognized business climate, tax incentives and proactive state government make Iowa a great place to do business.

High Quality Jobs Program — This program is designed to promote the creation or retention of quality jobs by assisting businesses locating, expanding or modernizing their facilities in Iowa through a package of tax credits, exemptions, and/or refunds to approved businesses.