MidAmerican Energy Co. wind projects in Iowa combined for the largest onshore wind turbine order to date for Siemens Energy Inc.

MidAmerican will receive 258 Siemens 2.3-megawatt wind turbines which will be installed in Cass, Adams, Marshall, Calhoun and Adair counties.

In addition, MidAmerican has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Renewable Power Markets Access Inc. to acquire the Laurel Wind Project, where 52 of the turbines will be installed.

Delivery and commissioning is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2011. Siemens also signed a long-term service contract with MidAmerican for its Greater Des Moines Energy Center.

“The projects make good economic sense for Iowa and our customers as the state continues to benefit from the construction of additional renewable energy generating capacity,” said Bill Fehrman, president of MidAmerican Energy, in a press release. He also noted the Iowa Utilities Board and Office of Consumer Advocate played a large role in the process. “Working together, we have established an energy strategy that focuses on environmental responsibility, the reliability and diversity of our energy supply, and price stability over the long term.”

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