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Hydropower – the largest-used renewable resource for electricity in Iowa – is an emissions-free, renewable, and reliable energy source. Hydropower in the United States avoids the burning of 121 million tons of coal, 27 million barrels of oil and 741 billion cubic feet of natural gas, combined. Hydropower also accounts for 81 percent of the nation's total renewable electricity generation, making it the nation's leading renewable energy source. Advantages of hydropower include the absence of air pollutants or waste products during operation, and low operating costs.
Environmental Impact
Large-scale hydropower projects can have environmental disadvantages, such as a negative impacts on aquatic life and habitat, water and land quality. The reservoirs created by hydropower projects frequently engulf large areas of forest, farmland, and wildlife habitats. These problems can be solved with proper siting, design and planning procedures.
Hydropower History in Iowa
In 1999, just under 1 percent of Iowa's energy consumption came from hydropower generated in Iowa. Many of Iowa’s hydropower plants were constructed on dams built in the 1800s or were constructed in the 1930s and 1940s as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps program. The major hydropower plants in Iowa are owned by cities and utilities. A few individuals also own small dams for their own energy needs and for sale to utilities. Hydroelectric energy production has experienced little growth in Iowa during the last 30 years, as many power plants are too old to produce electricity economically or have been damaged by floods. One deterrent to hydropower is Iowa’s water resources. According to a study by the Iowa Conservation Commission (the predecessor of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources), many of the best hydropower sites in Iowa are already operating at full capacity, limiting further expansion. Currently, the best opportunities for hydropower in Iowa are rehabilitating existing small-scale dams. These are the most cost effective and have the least environmental impact.
Major HydroPower Plants in Iowa
| Site | River | Owner | Capacity (kW) |
| Anamosa | Wapsipinicon River | Alliant Energy | 250 |
| Iowa Falls | Iowa River | Alliant Energy | 540 |
| Maquoketa | Maquoketa River | Alliant Energy | 1,200 |
| Cedar Rapids | Cedar River | Cedar Rapids | 2,100 |
| Ottumwa | Des Moines River | Ottumwa | 3,250 |
| Waverly | Cedar River | Waverly | 495 |
| Mitchell County | Cedar River | Mitchell Mill | 600 |
| Keokuk | Mississippi River | Union Electric Company | 125,000 |
| Bettendorf | Mississippi River | White Hydropower | 600 |
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Financial Assistance
Alternate Energy Revolving Loan Program
This loan program funds wind, solar, biomass and hydropower projects in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. It is administered by the Iowa Energy Center and funded by the state's investor-owned utilities. The program offers zero-interest loans for up to half of the project cost, with a maximum of $250,000.
Contact: Keith Kutz, Iowa Energy Center
Phone: (515) 294-3332, kkutz@energy.iastate.edu
Go to: www.energy.iastate.edu/funding/aerlp-index.html
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Iowa Energy Bank
The DNR's Iowa Energy Bank can help Iowa's schools, hospitals, private colleges and local governments determine if renewable energy systems are a good match for their facilities. From engineering audits to low-cost financing, installation, and monitoring, the Iowa Energy Bank provides assistance through every step of energy improvements.
Contact: Lee Vannoy, DNR
Phone: (515) 281-6559, Lee.Vannoy@dnr.state.ia.us
Go to: Iowa Energy Bank
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Links for Further Information
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