Alliant Energy completed construction of 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.
Credit: Alliant Energy
The project’s completion marks 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. This allows Alliant Energy to provide almost 300,000 households with solar energy every year.
“The successful completion of the Grant County Solar Project is a milestone 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 maintaining 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.”
The Grant County Solar Project site covers more than 1,400 acres, is home to more than 430,000 solar panels and features nearly 350 acres of native pollinator habitat. Alliant Energy expects the site to generate an estimated $30 million in new shared revenue for the county and city over the life of the project.
“I have seen firsthand the benefits of this community solar project,” said Dave Fritz, a local business owner and participating landowner. “Solar lease payments help local landowners like me diversify our income and preserve the value of our land for the future. In terms of economic impact, the Grant County Solar Project has delivered on its promise of jobs and will benefit local taxpayers for decades through the additional shared revenue.”
Alliant Energy has entered into a contract with a subsidiary of NextEra energy sources to build the Grant County Solar Project. Construction began in September 2022 and employed more than 700 workers.
“Part of our commitment to an efficient and reliable energy future means making more renewable energy sources accessible,” said Anthony Pedroni, VP of sustainable energy and storage development at NextEra Energy Resources. “This solar 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 the largest owner and operator of solar power generation in Wisconsin, 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 achieve net-zero utility greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
News item from Alliant Energy