GRINNELL, IA – December 30, 2022 – The City of Grinnell announces their intent to partner with Alliant Energy on a solar project to be established on a Brownfield site and soon-to-be owned city land.
Upon ownership of nearly 32 acres, the City of Grinnell plans to enter into a lease agreement with Alliant Energy and proceed with the development of the solar project on 5-7 acres at 400 6th Avenue West in Grinnell.
“Our partnership with Alliant Energy to develop a 1.59-megawatt solar energy system demonstrates our commitment to renewable clean energy generation,” said Russell Behrens, Grinnell City Manager. “The project will revitalize an underutilized manufacturing property, generate meaningful revenue for community projects and allow the school district to recoup their investment in this property. This would not have been possible without the bold leadership demonstrated by the school district when addressing this long-time nuisance property.”
Alliant Energy is currently conducting land surveys and studying power grid connection opportunities in the identified project location. If the studies confirm the expected positive results, Alliant Energy will design, construct, own, operate and maintain the solar project. The City of Grinnell will receive annual fixed lease payments over the next 20 years.
The project is part of Alliant Energy’s ® Customer-Hosted Renewables Program which enables customers with available land to host solar facilities and receive lease payments and renewable energy credits. The project also furthers Alliant Energy’s goals to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity it generates by 2050.
“We are excited to work with the City of Grinnell as we strive toward a more sustainable future together,” said Amanda Accola, Key Account Manager, Alliant Energy. “The project aligns with our mission-driven purpose to have a role in strengthening communities while providing the opportunity to enhance community exposure to renewables as well as the consideration of how renewables can integrate with community planning and development.”
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Brownfield sites are often former industrial or manufacturing sites where it is prudent to closely assess and review environmental conditions to ensure the site can be safely reused.
“The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is pleased to assist the City of Grinnell with this site's environmental review and this site is reuse ready," said Mel Pins, Executive Director, Brownfield Redevelopment Program, Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "This project is a great example of taking a site that was formerly an eyesore and obstacle at the western gateway of this city and turning it into an opportunity, asset and statement for the vision this community has. This is an excellent example of sustainable community redevelopment."
The City of Grinnell and the Grinnell School District are currently working on a purchase agreement for the land on which the solar project will be built.
Construction could begin in late-2023 and become operational in late-2024. The timeline, as well as final approval of the project is contingent on field study results, design, permitting and equipment availability.
About the City of Grinnell
Since its founding in 1854, Grinnell, Iowa has produced an awe-inspiring list of architectural treasures, including the National Historic Landmark Grinnell Sullivan building located in historic downtown Grinnell. The community is listed among the top American communities in Norman Crampton's publication "The 100 Best Small Towns in America” and is home to Grinnell College. It has an extensive calendar of cultural exhibits, symposiums and performances open to the public. Learn more by visiting www.grinnelliowa.gov.
Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to 1 million electric and 425,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy's mission is to deliver energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL) and Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL) are Alliant Energy's two public energy companies. Alliant Energy is a component of Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index and the S&P 500. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com and follow Alliant Energy on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.