Solar Field in Linn County Generating Energy, Benefiting Alliant Energy’s Customers

Alliant Energy announces a 200-megawatt (MW) solar facility in Linn County is now operational and generating energy for customers. Alliant Energy also announces the site is being renamed to Pleasant Creek Solar after being known as Duane Arnold Solar during development and construction. 

The 200-MW Pleasant Creek Solar facility – the largest solar field in Iowa – is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 40,000 homes annually. Combined with the Creston and Wever solar projects which Alliant Energy placed into service in 2024, the energy company is now using the sun to generate 400 MW of new solar energy resources in Iowa. These solar projects complement the approximately 1,300 MW of wind resources Alliant Energy owns and operates in the state.

“Pleasant Creek Solar exemplifies our “all of the above” energy strategy, resulting in cost-effective energy resources that increase reliability for customers,” said Mayuri Farlinger, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company and vice president of operations. “Our solar projects and energy system investments drive economic growth by attracting businesses to communities, creating jobs and boosting tax revenues.

The new name – Pleasant Creek Solar – pays homage to Pleasant Creek Lake, a man-made lake near the project site created when the Duane Arnold Energy Center was built. The lake served as an emergency water source for the generating plant. 

The project in Linn County – now owned by Alliant Energy – was developed by Duane Arnold Solar LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC. 

“Pleasant Creek Solar is a testament to the positive impact that innovative renewable energy projects can have on local communities and the broader energy landscape,” said Jonas van Stappen, director of development for NextEra Energy Resources. “We are proud to have worked with Alliant Energy and the local community to bring this significant project to fruition. This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and creating sustainable value for future generations.”

Construction was completed in two phases. The first 50 MW began operating in March 2024 while the remaining 150 MW was placed into service in December 2024.

“We appreciate the partnership with NextEra Energy Resources, local officials and landowners to help us continue delivering safe, reliable energy to benefit our customers and the communities we serve,” said Farlinger. “It’s one more way we deliver on our purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.”

Solar is one part of Alliant Energy’s balanced energy mix of renewables and traditional generation resources to safeguard against interruption, ensure reliability and elevate capacity for economic growth. Alliant Energy has added approximately 1,500 MW of utility-scale solar energy resources across Iowa and Wisconsin since 2022. 

Alliant Energy | alliantenergy.com/solar