The proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center would consist of three natural gas combustion turbines with a combined generating capacity of approximately 720 megawatts. The project is designed to help meet growing energy needs, support electric reliability and meet regional capacity requirements. While proposed on 160 acres of land, the actual facility would only take up about 55 acres, with a portion of the land expected to be restored to agricultural use upon operation.
"The submission of our zoning application reflects the next step in what is a thorough review process from multiple regulating entities," said May Farlinger, President of Alliant Energy's Iowa energy company. "Our application includes detailed information about the proposed project, including site planning, infrastructure needs and economic impacts. We remain committed to engaging with the community and participating fully in the county's review process."
As part of the application, Alliant Energy submitted an independent economic impact analysis estimating the project could create approximately 200 jobs in Linn County and generate nearly $90 million in local economic output during construction. The company also anticipates significant opportunities for local contractors and suppliers and is committed to using qualified union labor whenever possible during construction.
The analysis also suggests that more than $24 million in local tax revenue could be generated over the life of the facility. The rezoning application outlines opportunities for local contracting, procurement and workforce participation associated with the project.
The rezoning application is separate from the project's air permitting application, which the company expects to submit to Linn County Public Health within the next week. The complete application will include air modeling results and detailed technical analyses, and will be available on the Iowa DNR’s EASY Air System. As required by law, it will be reviewed through a public process that is separate from the rezoning review process. Alliant Energy currently anticipates technical review of the air permit application to be completed in early 2027, followed by opportunities for public comment.
Farlinger added, “Guided by our values and commitment to environmental stewardship, we approach every project with a focus on safety, compliance and accountability. Alliant Energy has decades of experience constructing and operating generating facilities while meeting stringent environmental standards and regulatory requirements, and we look forward to demonstrating this fact through the review process.”
Over the coming months, Linn County will review the rezoning application through its established process, which includes multiple opportunities for public input before the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Community feedback will be considered alongside technical, planning and regulatory requirements throughout the review. To learn more about the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center, visit Alliant Energy's website.
About Alliant Energy
Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to more than 1 million electric and 435,000 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 wholly-owned subsidiaries. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com and follow Alliant Energy on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.