WEST BRANCH, Iowa (KWQC) – Nordex will restart wind turbine production next summer at its West Branch location after 10 years.

“These turbines create a very significant source of energy per unit. One unit is enough to supply electricity to around 5,000 homes,” said John McComas, Chief Operating Officer of Nordex in North America.

Wind farms can shift the electricity grid away from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which can take millions of years to generate.

“We’re going to be hiring over 100 personnel at this facility, contributing to the community, giving back to it, and creating high-paying, quality jobs.”

Ahead of the reopening, Nordex is training their employees to service and maintain turbines that can reach heights up to 120 meters. They are using virtual reality for practice and conducting safety training at the branch.

The Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits to these projects. Nordex plans to apply for them once their production begins. However, there is uncertainty about the continuation of these incentives under the new administration.

“We don’t know exactly what’s going to happen regarding the clean credits, but we’re confident that projects like these will help convince lawmakers across the country.”

Climate-friendly energy options seem to be getting steadily cheaper than common sources of electricity, such as coal, oil, and even natural gas.

Estefanía Pinto Ruiz is the water, ag & environment reporter for KWQC TV6 News and The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk. She is also a Report for America corps member.

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