Advancing our clean energy future
As the electric grid continues to evolve, Alliant Energy is leading the way with new and innovative solutions. We are working to integrate emerging technologies and optimize energy resources such as wind and solar power, battery storage and traditional generation systems. These efforts will benefit our customers with improved energy reliability and efficiency.
The expansion of energy storage infrastructure is key to accelerating the transition to cleaner, more sustainable renewable energy. With major transformations underway, we’re working rapidly to balance energy demands, reduce the need for traditional power grid updates and increase security in the event of an outage or severe weather.
Header video: Battery system in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Photo caption: Battery system in Wellman, Iowa
Wisconsin sites to add battery storage
In September 2022, Alliant Energy submitted filings with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to construct utility-scale battery storage facilities co-located at two of the company’s solar sites.
The 100-MW battery project at Grant County Solar and 75-MW battery project at Wood County Solar represent a significant expansion of our battery storage capacity as we continue to transition to cleaner and more sustainable renewable energy sources.
In January 2023, we filed plans to construct a 99-MW battery project adjacent to our Edgewater Generating Station in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Pending PSCW approval, we anticipate completing these projects by Fall 2025.
Boaz reliability microgrid
This microgrid pilot project – the first of its kind in Wisconsin – creates a small-scale power grid with islanding capability, meaning it can be disconnected from the traditional grid to operate independently in the event of a power outage or service disruption.
When disconnected from the central grid, microgrids serve customers in a defined area with power from one or more distributed energy resources such as battery, wind, solar or a combination thereof to improve reliability.
The Boaz microgrid system was completed in 2023. It is one of several advanced research pilot projects operated by Alliant Energy as we continue to expand access to energy storage solutions.
Alliant Energy announces development plans for microgrid in Richland County (Alliant Energy news release, Oct. 28, 2021)
Infographic caption: Example of a potential microgrid configuration and system operation
Battery storage systems
Battery storage units maximize the value of our renewable energy assets and deliver greater efficiency. This storage capacity allows us to store electricity that is generated when demand is low. When the sun goes down or energy demands increase, we can release this stored battery power onto the grid and deliver safe, reliable energy to customers when its needed.
These energy storage solutions improve reliability and better meet customer needs – all while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades.
We currently have several battery storage pilot units in operation and continue to evaluate potential development opportunities to harness more locally generated power and accelerate our transition to renewable energy. Additional information about our plans to advance sustainable energy solutions can be found in our Clean Energy Blueprint.
Photo caption: Battery system in Portage, Wisconsin
Map: Battery systems in Alliant Energy's service territory
