Completion of Alliant Energy's Wood County Solar Project marks a major milestone for the community of Saratoga in central Wisconsin. In addition to generating clean, carbon-free electricity, the 150-megawatt (MW) solar site created more than 200 construction jobs and is expected to deliver an estimated $600,000 in new shared revenue annually to the town and county for the next 30 years.  

"Alliant Energy has a strong presence in our region, and we knew when they took on this project it was going to be a big win for families and business," said Angel Whitehead, president of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. "This solar site has already spurred innovation and growth within the community. We are excited for the future and the continued growth surrounding renewable energy development." 

Construction of the Wood County Solar Project began in June 2021. Burns & McDonnell, the project's EPC contractor, completed construction ahead of schedule despite supply chain disruptions, tough weather conditions and COVID challenges. The project relied on the skilled work and craftsmanship of operating engineers, carpenters, laborers and electricians from several local union halls, increasing the project's positive economic impact.? 

"Skilled, safe and efficient work is what the men and women of Wisconsin's unionized building trades bring to the job," said Emily Pritzkow, executive director of the Wisconsin Building Trades Council. "By prioritizing the use of local unionized labor on renewable energy projects, Alliant Energy was able to deliver exceptional value to their customers while keeping project dollars in the community." 

With nearly 390,000 solar panels spanning 1,200 acres, the Wood County Solar Project can generate enough electricity to power nearly 40,000 homes. It is the second utility-scale solar site Alliant Energy completed in as many months. It's part of the company's Clean Energy Blueprint to deliver more clean, reliable and cost-effective energy to customers. In total, the plan includes constructing nearly 1,100 MW of utility-scale solar energy at 12 sites across Wisconsin.  

"The completion of this solar project represents a tipping point in our ongoing effort to build a brighter and healthier energy future," said David de Leon, Alliant Energy's Wisconsin president. "From new jobs and revenue streams to greater energy independence and land stewardship, the Wood County Solar Project is just one way we are delivering on our commitment to serve customers and build stronger communities." 

Alliant Energy aspires to eliminate coal from its generation fleet by 2040 and achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity it generates by 2050. Following 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 Corporation | alliantenergy.com