DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Alliant Energy has announced it will invest about $1 billion to expand its wind energy operations in the state. Alliant executives and Gov. Terry Branstad made the announcement Wednesday.

The Iowa utility said in a news release that it is seeking regulatory approval to expand its Whispering Willow Wind Farm in Franklin County and possibly develop wind energy in other areas of the state. Utility spokesman Justin Foss says the project will also generate more than 1,500 jobs in Iowa. Foss said it is not yet clear how many turbines the project would see erected.

The company says the five-year project will produce 500 megawatts of energy.