Alliant Energy to convert Wisconsin coal plant to natural gas
Alliant Energy is looking to convert its coal-fueled Edgewater Generating Station in Wisconsin to natural gas.
By transitioning Edgewater from coal to natural gas past 2025, the facility retains more than 350 MW of capacity while the company maintains its clean energy vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Further, the project will avoid an estimated $60 million in customer costs through 2030.
“We are pursuing the path that best bolsters continued reliability, drives affordability for all, supports our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensures load growth availability that creates economic benefits in the communities we serve,” David de Leon, Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin president and senior vice president of operations, said.
The transition takes into consideration the complexities of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) newly advanced seasonal construct. It also considers TC Energy’s announced plans to upgrade and extend its gas pipeline in parts of Wisconsin, including the Sheboygan area, where the Edgewater Generating Station is located.
“This evolution of our Wisconsin resource plan is the best option for meeting the future energy demands of our system in the state, providing critical capacity at the lowest cost to customers,” Alliant Energy’s president and CEO Lisa Barton, said. “With these changes, we remain committed to lowering carbon emissions, ensuring ongoing reliability and exiting coal in Wisconsin by the end of the decade.”
The conversion of Edgewater Generating Station from coal to natural gas generation is projected to take place during 2028 after receiving the necessary regulatory approvals.
