Wind

Wind energy has long been a strength for the Quad Cities region. It is not only located within the national "wind belt", where it is proximal to numerous wind installations, but also offers ready access for the distribution and staging of wind components.


Key Regional Advantages for Wind-Related Businesses:

  • The Quad Cities region lies in the heart of a 12-state region that will have installed an average of 2,701 MW per year through 2014.
  • Exploding growth in the market intersects with the supply chain established by over 250 companies that are already providing components and services to wind energy manufacturers.
  • Wind and alternative energies are the subject of national and state programs encouraging growth and job creation as well as less energy dependence. For example, the Renewable Portfolio Standards are Iowa 105 MW and Illinois 25% by 2025 - create growing demand. Iowa currently generates approximately 20 percent of its electrical power through wind and the percentage in Illinois is increasing each year.
  • Employment growth for turbines is extremely strong at the 4-state level (Iowa and Illinois along with Minnesota and Wisconsin).
  • There is an in-place multi-modal transportation infrastructure.
  • Employees with strong manufacturing know-how and Midwestern work ethic.
  • Throughout the Quad Cities region, machinery and equipment used in the manufacturing process is not subject to local property tax.


In addition, the region has developed training programs specifically geared to the wind industry:

  • The new Eastern Iowa Community College Renewable Energy Training Program and the University of Iowa's Wind Power Management program through its College of Engineering are training talent ideally suited for the wind industry.
  • Illinois State University offers a Renewable Energy program through the Department of Technology and Blackhawk College offers Logistics & Supply Chain Management training.
  • Additional industry-specific training:
    • - Logistics at Eastern Iowa Community College - Iowa Alliance for Wind Innovation and Novel Development


Available Labor for Jobs in the Wind Industry (April 2010)

Standard Occupational Code
Title% of IndustryTarget JobsCompatible JobsTarget Median Hourly Earnings
51-1011
First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers
3.441,1061,925$26.06
51-4041Machinists1.871,1992,843$18.49
49-9041
Industrial machinery mechanics
2.4660332,665$21.21






Source: Ady-Voltedge & Janus Economics, in proprietary research sponsored by Quad Cities First, 2010.

Notes: % of Industry = percent of industry skilled labor accounted for by each SOC; Target Jobs = Number of workers in the Quad Cities region that are classified in that SOC, regardless of industry; Compatible Jobs = Number of workers in the Quad Cities region that have highly compatible skill sets (O*Net). Contact Quad Cities First for information on additional Standard Occupation Codes and other related data.


Representative Regional Wind Industry Employers