Construction is poised to move forward on six solar projects totaling 414 megawatts (MW) after state regulators gave final approval to Alliant Energy's second phase of solar development plans. The six newly-approved solar projects are among 12 utility-scale solar sites Alliant Energy is developing as part of its Clean Energy Blueprint that will add nearly 1,100 MW of solar energy generation to Wisconsin's energy grid – making Alliant Energy the largest owner and operator of solar generation in the state. 

"At Alliant Energy, we're driven by our commitment to serve customers and build stronger communities," said David de Leon, president of Alliant Energy's Wisconsin energy company. "We are excited to break ground and begin construction on these solar projects as we accelerate toward a cleaner energy future. We expect our solar development plans to create hundreds of new construction jobs and deliver safe, reliable, affordable energy for years to come." 

The company expects to begin construction this summer and finish in late 2023. Alliant Energy will contract with Burns & McDonnell and utilize craft labor from several local union halls. 

"We appreciate Alliant Energy's prioritization of local unionized labor on renewable energy projects," said Emily Pritzkow, executive director of the Wisconsin Building Trades Council. "Alliant Energy understands the benefits of hiring local labor, the development of a strong workforce through apprenticeships and training, and the ripple effect it has on our local economies, and state as a whole. 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."

Alliant Energy aspires to eliminate coal from its generation fleet by 2040 and achieve net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the electricity it generates by 2050. Following the plans laid out in its Clean Energy Blueprint, Alliant Energy's 12 utility scale projects will create more than 2,000 local construction jobs, provide an estimated $130 million in local tax revenues over the next 30 years and help customers avoid more than $1.6 billion in long-term costs. 

Alliant Energy | alliantenergy.com