Site work for a power facility in Ames, Iowa. Conceptual plans call for site work for a power facility.

The Power Plant uses natural gas fired boilers to generate steam for power production. When the boilers are operating, some of the steam created in the boiler is used to heat the building, ensuring that interior spaces, piping, and associated equipment is kept above freezing temperatures. During cold weather, when the boilers are not operating, alternative heating methods are required. When the City discontinues burning Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), the Power Plant boilers may no longer be operated on the same near-continuous basis they currently operate. A separate boiler heating system will be used to heat the Power Plant when the plant is not producing electricity. The project is included in the City's 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). As of December 12, 2025, information regarding design firm and general contractor selection timeline has not been released. Further details regarding construction and completion timelines have not been disclosed. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.