Alliant Energy finishes work on 50 MW utility-scale solar project in Wisconsin

In a first for Alliant Energy, the Wisconsin-based company completed work on a utility-scale solar project last week, adding 50 MW of renewable energy to its portfolio and a major investment in the state’s Richland County.

The Bear Creek Solar Project represents the completion of the first step in Alliant’s Clean Energy Blueprint, which calls for building more than 1,000 MW of utility-scale solar energy at 12 sites across Wisconsin. Construction on this particular project began in July 2021, as led by Burns & McDonnell. Bear Creek will be able to generate enough power to generate enough electricity for approximately 13,000 homes on its own, but the additional projects should also go into service later this year.

“Across Wisconsin, Alliant Energy is working with families, farmers, businesses, and communities to develop renewable energy projects both big and small,” David de Leon, Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin president, said. “This project is an incredible milestone for our customers. Guided by our purpose-driven strategy to serve customers and build stronger communities, this solar farm diversifies our energy portfolio, boosts American energy independence, and increases access to affordable electricity.”

Alliant intends to eliminate coal from its portfolio by 2040 and to reach net-zero CO2 emissions from its generation capabilities by 2050. As for the projects involved in its Clean Energy Blueprint, Alliant is expected to invest around $130 million into local tax revenues for the next 30 years. These efforts should also help customers avoid more than $1.6 billion in long-term costs. As for Bear Creek specifically, the facility will earn Richland County and the town of Buena Vista an estimated $200,000 in combined shared revenue payments annually.

“When businesses partner with the skilled forces of Wisconsin’s unionized building trades, they know they’re going to get a safe, quality product that delivers superior value for everyone,” Emily Pritzkow, executive director of the Wisconsin Building Trades Council, said. “By prioritizing the use of local unionized labor on renewable energy projects, Alliant Energy is supporting a strong workforce, keeping project dollars in the community and boosting our state economy.”