Alliant Energy completes 12th project in 1.1-GW Wisconsin solar portfolio

Alliant Energy completed constructing its Grant County Solar Project, a 200-MW solar array in Potosi, Wisconsin, that can generate enough electricity to power more than 50,000 homes annually.

The project’s completion is the culmination of Alliant Energy’s multi-phase buildout of 12 utility-scale solar projects in Wisconsin totaling 1.089 GW. This investment in a more diverse energy generation mix created more than 2,700 jobs across all projects. It enables Alliant Energy to power nearly 300,000 homes annually with solar energy.

“The successful completion of the Grant County Solar Project is a milestone achievement on our journey toward a cleaner, more reliable and cost-effective energy future,” said Lisa Barton, president and CEO of Alliant Energy. “Investing in a diverse energy mix is just one way we add value for customers while sustaining the economic and environmental health of the communities we serve. Together, with our customers, local communities and construction partners, we are making Wisconsin’s energy future brighter than ever.”

Encompassing more than 1,400 acres, the Grant County Solar Project site hosts more than 430,000 solar panels and features nearly 350 acres of native pollinator habitat. Alliant Energy expects the site will generate an estimated $30 million in new shared revenue for the county and town over the life of the project.

“I’ve seen the benefits of this solar project in the community firsthand,” said Dave Fritz, a local business owner and participating landowner. “Solar lease payments help local landowners like me diversify our income and preserve our land’s value for the future. In terms of economic impact, the Grant County Solar Project delivered on its promise of jobs and will benefit local taxpayers for decades thanks to the added shared revenue payments.”

Alliant Energy contracted with a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources to construct the Grant County Solar Project. Construction began in September 2022, employing more than 700 workers.

“Part of our commitment to an efficient and reliable energy future means making more renewable sources of energy accessible,” said Anthony Pedroni, VP of renewables and storage development at NextEra Energy Resources. “This solar energy project reflects the shared commitment we have with Alliant Energy to deliver cost-effective clean energy solutions that benefit communities and the environment.”

In addition to being Wisconsin’s largest owner and operator of solar energy generation, Alliant Energy plans to develop nearly 275 MW of energy storage capacity to complement its renewable portfolio. This includes a 100-MW battery project that will also be located at the Grant County Solar Project site.

Through the investments outlined in the company’s Clean Energy Blueprint, Alliant Energy is investing to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from utility operations by 2050.

News item from Alliant Energy