Alliant Energy wins $30M federal grant for Wisconsin energy storage project
Wisconsin’s Columbia County could be the recipient of a new sustainable energy storage system from Alliant Energy, thanks to an approximately $30 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED).
Known as the Columbia Energy Storage Project, this first of its kind system in the United States would bring 200 megawatt (MW) hours of storage to the region. Utilizing an innovative design by Italian company Energy Dome, the project would create 10 hours of energy storage capacity by compressing CO2 gas into liquid form. When energy is needed it could then convert the liquid back to gas to power a turbine for electricity, with no emissions. In that way, the closed loop battery system would power approximately 20,000 Wisconsin homes.
“Guided by our purpose-driven strategy, we continue to invest in cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions for the customers and communities we proudly serve,” John Larsen, board chair and CEO of Alliant Energy, said. “As we diversify our energy mix, the added capacity and unique capabilities of energy storage solutions will strengthen our generation portfolio, increase grid resilience, improve reliability and help us continue to meet customer needs. We appreciate the DOE’s support and investment in this advanced energy storage technology.”
The system would be built near the current Columbia Energy Center in Pacific, Wisconsin. It’s the work of a coalition led by Alliant Energy, and which also includes WEC Energy Group, Madison Gas and Electric, Shell Global Solutions US, Electric Power Research Institute, UW-Madison and Madison College.
Currently, the group intends to submit project plans to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission in the first half of 2024. If approved, construction could then begin in 2025 and be completed in 2026.
