MidAmerican Energy is replacing motors and blades in hundreds of wind turbines in Iowa. They say the upgraded turbines will last 20-30 years and will generate substantially more power. When the four year process is completed, their customers will get 95% of their power from wind. You read that right, 95%.
“Over the last 10 years, technology has advanced,” said Spencer Moore, vice president of MidAmerican Energy. He said the new blades are between 20 and 40 feet longer. They also have a different shape, which is designed to be more efficient by 19 to 28 percent.