Nordex and Alliant Energy Join Forces to Boost Iowa Wind Production and Manufacturing Jobs

12/10/2025 – 01:55 AM

WEST BRANCH, IA / ACCESS Newswire / December 10, 2025 Nordex Group disclosed that it secured significant contracts from Alliant Energy after a competitive request‑for‑proposal process. Upon regulatory clearance, Nordex will deliver up to 190 units of its N133 and N163 Delta4000 turbine variants for utility‑scale projects in the Midwest, with deployment scheduled for 2028 and 2029. The combined capacity of the farms could exceed 1 GW, a milestone for both companies.

The contracts represent a major infusion of manufacturing activity in Iowa, reviving the West Branch plant where Nordex has resumed production of turbine hubs, drivetrains and nacelles. The move aligns with Alliant Energy’s broader resource strategy, which emphasizes renewable growth while managing cost pressures for its roughly one million electricity customers in Iowa and Wisconsin.

“Choosing Nordex underscores our confidence in their technology and our commitment to partners that support our customers and communities,” said Lisa Barton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alliant Energy. “The projects will create substantial economic development opportunities throughout our service area and help us meet rising energy demand efficiently.”

Antonio Smyth, Executive Vice President of Power Generation and Gas Strategy at Alliant Energy, added, “Nordex demonstrated advanced technology, disciplined supply‑chain management and the ability to execute large‑scale projects while adding value through local manufacturing.”

Manav Sharma, CEO of Nordex North America, highlighted the strategic importance of the award: “These landmark projects validate our decision to restart production in Iowa and reinforce our commitment to the U.S. market. We appreciate the support from state leaders and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, which has been instrumental in expanding local manufacturing jobs.”

José Luis Blanco, CEO of the Nordex Group, noted, “This award is the largest volume contract we have secured in the United States in our 25‑year history. It underscores the success of our localized production model and accelerates progress toward our mid‑term growth targets.”

The agreements will take effect only after approvals from the Iowa Utilities Commission and other relevant regulators.

Market and Technology Context

The Midwest has become a hotbed for onshore wind development, driven by favorable wind resources, state incentives and a pressing need for clean‑energy capacity. Nordex’s Delta4000 platform – featuring the 4‑MW N133 and the higher‑output 4.8‑MW N163 – is engineered for sites with limited grid headroom, delivering higher energy yields per rotor sweep while maintaining a compact footprint.

From a competitive standpoint, the award pits Nordex against industry leaders such as GE Renewable Energy and Vestas, both of which have been expanding U.S. manufacturing capacity. Nordex’s advantage lies in its flexible turbine sizing and its strategy of situating final assembly close to end‑users, which reduces logistics costs and shortens lead times—a crucial factor as the U.S. supply chain for wind components tightens under the pressure of multiple state‑level renewable mandates.

Financial analysts view the contract as a catalyst for Nordex’s earnings outlook. The company reported EUR 7.3 billion in consolidated sales for 2024, with onshore turbines representing the core of its product mix. By securing a multi‑gigawatt pipeline in the United States, Nordex can diversify revenue streams, hedge against currency fluctuations, and leverage economies of scale in its U.S. plant.

Implications for the U.S. Wind Landscape

• Job creation and skills development at the West Branch facility are expected to generate hundreds of direct and indirect positions over the next five years.
• The projects help Alliant Energy meet its renewable portfolio standards, which require a steady increase in clean‑energy generation by 2030.
• By anchoring turbine manufacturing domestically, Nordex mitigates exposure to international trade disruptions and aligns with the Biden administration’s “Buy American” initiatives for clean‑energy infrastructure.
• The deployment timeline (2028‑2029) coincides with anticipated upgrades to regional transmission networks, ensuring that the generated power can be integrated without overloading existing lines.