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U.S. Rep. Latham: Secures wind energy funds for revolutionary production plant project
2/27/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Fred Love 202-225-5476 fred.love@mail.house.gov

LATHAM SECURES WIND ENERGY FUNDS FOR REVOLUTIONARY PRODUCTION PLANT PROJECT

CONGRESSMAN LATHAM CONTINUES WORK TO PROMOTE IOWA RENEWABLE ENERGY

WASHINGTON, DC – Iowa Congressman Tom Latham continued his steadfast support of renewable energy by securing $1.4 million in federal funds for an Iowa based revolutionary wind energy production plant project that explores new methods of storing wind energy.

“Projects like these will ensure that Iowa continues to lead the way in renewable energy,” Congressman Latham said. “I’m proud to support innovative initiatives that have the potential to spark economic activity, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and strengthen our national security.”

The project, carried out jointly by the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities and the U.S. Department of Energy, uses wind energy to compress and store air in an underground geologic structure of porous rock. The rock structure, known as an aquifer, is located 3,000 feet underground, beneath layers of impermeable cap rock. The air is injected under pressure, pushing back the water currently stored in the aquifer to force air into the rock which will hold that air like a sponge holds water. Energy from the aquifer is created when the stored air is released, heated, and used to drive generators which will produce electricity for consumers.

Congressman Latham, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has tirelessly promoted the growth of Iowa’s renewable energy industry throughout his career.

The funds were included in an omnibus appropriations bill approved by the House on Wednesday. The funds now await the approval of the Senate and the president before becoming law. The Senate likely will take up the funds in the next few days.

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