Alliant Energy announced the successful completion of six new solar projects in Wisconsin, contributing 514 MW of solar energy to its overall generation capacity. This achievement is seen as a positive step towards bolstering renewable power and improving customer access to cleaner energy sources.
David de Leon, Alliant Energy's Wisconsin president, emphasized the significance of these accomplishments, stating, “Completing these projects is a significant milestone and a pivotal moment in our journey toward a more sustainable energy future.” He further highlighted the company's commitment to leveraging technology and locally generated energy solutions to enhance customer value and mitigate long-term costs.
The solar projects, initiated in 2022, provided employment to nearly 1,000 workers who executed the projects safely and efficiently. The newly completed sites include the Albany Solar Project (50 MW), Cassville Solar Project (50 MW), Onion River Solar Project (150 MW), Paddock Solar Project (65 MW), Springfield Solar Project (100 MW), and Wautoma Solar Project (99 MW).
Apart from delivering clean, zero-fuel-cost electricity to customers, these projects contribute long-term economic and financial benefits to local communities. Alliant Energy's strategic focus on utilizing local unionized labor for renewable energy projects has been recognized for delivering value to customers while supporting local economic growth.
The state-of-the-art solar arrays incorporate advanced technology, automatically tracking the sun's movement to optimize energy generation. Equipped with durable, high-performance, bi-facial solar panels designed to withstand severe weather conditions, these arrays prioritize efficiency and resilience. Moreover, environmental considerations include features such as native low-growth grass and approximately 300 acres of native pollinator habitat across the six sites, underscoring the commitment to a sustainable energy future.
See also: U.S. Solar Industry Set for Record 33 GW Capacity Boost in 2023, Growth to Temporarily Stall in 2024
These six completed sites are part of Alliant Energy's broader Clean Energy Blueprint, encompassing a total of 12 utility-scale solar projects in Wisconsin. With three projects totaling 250 MW already in service in 2022, the remaining three are in their final construction phases, slated for completion by mid-2024. Once all 12 projects are operational, they are anticipated to generate 1,089 MW, powering nearly 300,000 homes annually.
Alliant Energy's overarching strategy extends beyond solar initiatives, including plans for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from utility operations by 2050. This comprehensive approach underscores the company's commitment to building a diverse and resilient energy portfolio in line with evolving environmental considerations.
