Alliant Energy opens 730-megawatt natural gas generating station in Wisconsin
The newly built West Riverside Energy Center near Beloit, Wis., is officially putting into service its 730-megawatt, combined-cycle, natural gas system, generating energy for customers of Alliant Energy.
“We are proud to put our West Riverside Energy Center into service to provide reliable and affordable energy to our customers and communities,” David de Leon, President of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company, said. “Community support, strong partnerships, and hard work by countless employees, contractors, and suppliers made this a successful project. We appreciate the collaboration we have with the neighbors, the town and city of Beloit, Rock County, the state of Wisconsin, and the many other organizations, businesses, and individuals who continue to support this facility.”
Work on the project began back in spring 2017, following approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. In all, Alliant sunk $660 million into the new facility, and the result is a station capable of producing enough power for more than 550,000 homes. Alliant labels it a complement to its growing number of solar and wind facilities — a station capable of 24/7 operations and quick adjustments. Alliant now co-owns the facility alongside Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative, Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative, and Rock Energy Cooperative.
“Through a great team effort, the project came in under budget and online in time for increased summer demand,” said Bob Newell, Alliant Energy West Riverside Energy Center Project Manager. “Customers will benefit from the reduced costs as a result of the budget savings and very low natural gas prices.”
Alliant intends to build an integrated, six-megawatt solar facility next door and finish it within the year. It will be used to offset auxiliary power at the West Riverside Energy Center.
