Editorial: Get on board

You know the renewable energy train is picking up momentum when the energy conglomerates jump aboard. BP and Shell are trying to pivot from fossil fuels and offer themselves as the world renewables players with clout, the Wall Street Journal reports, based on their existing global markets and connections with business. They’re already selling wind power to Amazon, which is committed to all renewables by 2025.

Companies bought 25% more renewable power in 2020 than they did in 2019, and demand is expected to rise again this year. Corporate deals were up 75% in the first quarter, the Journal reports.

Demand for clean energy is real and growing among large corporate consumers.

That’s why Iowa should double down on its commitment to wind, solar and biomass energy. The drive to net-zero carbon promises to grow our economic opportunities like we have not seen in our lifetimes. Princeton energy researchers suggested in a recent report that farmers could fetch five times as much growing biomass for clean energy as they could growing corn (while drastically cutting emissions and input costs).

State and industry authorities should be working on mapping new transmission routes from Iowa to Chicago that have so far been frustrated. Renewable energy projects should enjoy at least some of the zoning flexibility allowed to livestock confinements so developers don’t have to deal with 99 sets of rules. Madison County is essentially off limits now to more wind projects because of local opposition despite is proximity to power-hungry Des Moines. It doesn’t make sense when you can site a hoghouse right next to that covered bridge.

Our congressional delegation also needs to get on board by supporting energy infrastructure development. Wind and solar energy production tax credits need to be made permanent, for starters. And, there needs to be a lot more federal research at Iowa State University on efficient biomass production for such technologies as hydrogen fuel cells.

Iowa can be the center of the new energy economy. It’s not a mirage when BP and Shell jump in with both feet.