Iowa City pursues solar partnership with MidAmerican Energy to boost clean energy efforts

The Iowa City Climate Action Commission meeting on June 2, 2025, focused on the potential for a solar or battery storage partnership with MidAmerican Energy. The discussion highlighted the city's ongoing interest in establishing a solar array, particularly after a previous proposal for a 5-acre solar installation at Waterworks Park was rejected during the early pandemic. The capacity from that project was ultimately allocated to another community, Hills, which now benefits from the energy produced.

Commission members expressed a desire to reignite discussions with MidAmerican Energy, emphasizing the importance of community support for such initiatives. A commission member suggested that if the group collectively rated the project as a high priority, it could strengthen their position in negotiations with the utility company. The reluctance from MidAmerican to pursue the project was attributed to past community pushback and the significant investment they had already made in the previous proposal.

The conversation also touched on the need for a study to identify alternative locations for solar arrays, as the previously identified site was deemed ideal due to its proximity to a substation. This would facilitate easier integration of solar energy into the grid at a lower cost. The commission acknowledged that while they could not guarantee the project's revival, a clear signal of interest from the community could prompt further discussions with MidAmerican.

Additionally, the commission noted that Iowa City is served by two utilities, including Eastern Iowa Light and Power, with preliminary discussions already underway regarding a solar array near the wastewater treatment plant. This location was highlighted as significant since the facility represents the city's largest electricity consumption, making it an ideal candidate for clean energy solutions.

In conclusion, the commission is exploring partnerships with both MidAmerican Energy and Eastern Iowa Light and Power to enhance Iowa City's renewable energy contributions. The next steps will depend on community engagement and support for these initiatives.