Alliant Energy to retire Sheboygan coal generation facility, add six solar projects in Wisconsin

By the end of 2022, Alliant Energy intends to retire its coal-fired, Edgewater Generating Station in Sheboygan, Wis., and, as part of a plan to install 1,000 megawatts of solar by 2023, announced plans this week for six new solar projects amounting to 675 MW.

The retirement decision, announced last week, marks a transition for the company — away from coal and into renewable energy. In return, Alliant says this will shave long term costs and allow it to pass the savings on to its customers. Exactly what form the changes at Edgewater will take, however, remains to be seen, with planning and site redevelopment expected to be a multi-year process informed by community input.

“For decades, our Edgewater Generating Station has been providing customers and communities safe and reliable energy,” David de Leon, president of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company, said. “As we transition from coal toward a cleaner energy mix, we are caring for our employees, creating new jobs and bringing new economic development opportunities to the communities we serve.”

On the other side of that transition, the six solar projects will include sites in Grant, Jefferson, Richland, Rock, Sheboygan, and Wood counties. All are meant to support the company’s larger Clean Energy Blueprint, which calls for it to host at least 30 percent renewables by 2030, along with 40 percent reductions in carbon dioxide emissions and a 75 percent decrease in water supply needs from fossil-fueled generation. Once operational, these six projects should be able to power roughly 175,000 homes each year, putting Alliant at the top of solar operations in Wisconsin.

De Leon said the projects, in conjunction with the larger blueprint, should save customers more than $2 billion in long-term costs.

As for those at risk of being put out in the transition, career assistance will be provided to interested employees during the transition. According to Alliant, this will include one-on-one coaching, tuition reimbursement, resume writing assistance, and interview coaching.

“By announcing now, our employees have the time they need to explore potential career options and enhance their skillset,” Diane Cooke, vice president of Human Resources at Alliant Energy, said. “Because each employee is unique and at a different place in their career and life, we are meeting with them individually. This allows us to tailor assistance to their specific needs and interests. Caring for the people who so ably power our communities is one of the most important parts of our transition to cleaner energy sources.”

Vandewalle & Associates of Wisconsin will handle the transition of the coal facility and site on Alliant’s behalf. The urban planning and economic redevelopment company has previously worked to transform waterfronts, as well as decommission and repurpose large industrial sites.