Alliant Energy completes construction of a 200 MW solar project in Grant County, Wisconsin, America

Alliant Energy announced that it has successfully completed construction of a solar project in Grant County. A 200-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic installation in Potosi, Wisconsin, could generate enough electricity to power more than 50,000 homes per year.

The completion of the project is the culmination of Alliant Energy’s multi-phase construction of 12 utility-scale solar projects in Wisconsin with a total capacity of 1,089 MW. This investment in a more diversified energy generation mix has created over 2,700 jobs across all projects. It improves service reliability and enables Alliant Energy to power nearly 300,000 homes annually with solar energy at zero fuel costs.

“The successful completion of the Grant County solar project is a significant milestone on our path to a cleaner, more reliable and profitable energy future,” said Lisa Barton, president and CEO of Alliant Energy. “Investing in a diversified 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 1,400-acre Grant County Solar Project has over 430,000 solar panels installed and nearly 350 acres of native pollinator habitat. Alliant Energy expects the facility to generate an estimated $30 million in new joint revenue for the county and city over the life of the project.

“I have seen the benefits of this solar project firsthand,” said Dave Fritz, a local business owner and landowner participating in the program. “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 job-creating promise and will benefit local taxpayers for decades through additional Shared Income payments.”

Alliant Energy has entered into an agreement with subsidiary NextEra Energy Resources, LLC to build the Grant County solar project. Construction began in September 2022 and employed over 700 workers. The influx of jobs helped maximize the local economic benefits of the project.

“Part of our commitment to an efficient and reliable energy future means making more renewable energy sources available,” said Anthony Pedroni, vice president 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.”

The statement highlights Alliant Energy’s role as a leader in the clean energy transition. In addition to being the largest owner and operator of solar power generation systems in Wisconsin, Alliant Energy plans to build nearly 275 MW of energy storage facilities to complement its renewable energy portfolio. This includes a 100 MW battery project in Grant County that will also be located on the Grant County Solar Project site.