Wind energy powers our growth

As the demand for energy increases, the importance of investing in renewable energy sources is becoming impossible to ignore. Places such as Iowa and its wind-energy industry is an example of the positive impacts that investing in renewable energy and transmission projects has on the economy and energy production.

The American Wind Energy Association recently reported 27.4 percent of the electricity produced in Iowa comes from wind, ranking it as the largest wind-energy producing state in the nation (for that percentage). This is not only good for energy consumers but also for boosting our state's economy. The total investment in wind projects across Iowa in 2012 amounted to $25 billion. This, in turn, created jobs and career opportunities leading to Iowa's third in the nation ranking when it comes to wind-related jobs.

Wind energy is the reason I chose to go back to school, as an adult. I chose to embark on a second career in the wind-energy field because it promises job security and a positive impact on energy production without negative environmental consequences.

I saw the potential wind energy presents for the Midwest and Iowa, as it is the fastest-growing source of electricity production in the world. Because of this potential, I think it is imperative that Iowa remains a leader in the wind-production industry and I want to contribute to that effort.

Iowa's wind industry also provides an estimated $14.46 million annually in lease payments to farmers with turbines on their land and economic benefits to local restaurants, hotels and stores where production occurs. This industry not only benefits me by providing a career opportunity, but it also benefits nearly everyone in the communities in which wind energy is produced or consumed.

Iowa also has ample opportunities when it comes to becoming qualified to enter the industry. Kirkwood Community College provides an excellent wind-technician program that stresses safety and ensures its students are efficiently prepared to enter the wind production industry. This is important, as 40 percent of the work force of linemen will retire in the next two years and the U.S. Department of Labor reports 3,200 jobs are available.

Overall, Iowa is responding to the need for renewable energy and has many opportunities to continue that growth with transmission and wind farm projects. The influx of investment in the industry has provided countless benefits for countless people. I am proud to be starting my second career in an industry that is transforming how we see energy and ensuring the energy of the future is clean, sustainable and renewable.

•Todd Helmrichs of Edgewood is a wind energy technician student at Kirkwood Community College. Comments: HelmrichsTv2014@yahoo.com