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It’s not going far from where the electricity is generated to where it’s being used.
Earlier this week, Alliant Energy said its solar power generation project in Creston is one of two solar projects with a combined capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) beginning service this week. The Creston project is 50-MW capacity and located on Creston’s east side visible from Osage and East Howard streets. Alliant acquired about 300 acres and is using about 76 acres for the actual solar panel fields.
Alliant officials estimate the Creston site will generate enough electricity to power approximately 11,000 homes annually. Alliant officials said the power created from the solar field in Creston will be used within Alliant’s grid in the area.
“The power will be distributed to the grid in the area no matter what time of year. We do expect more use of the electricity in the summer than the winter since typically more electricity is used in the summer than winter,” said Alliant spokesperson Chris Caporale.
The company also placed into service the 150-MW Wever Solar Project in Lee County, the largest solar array in the state. Creston and Lee County projects adds to Alliant’s renewable energy resources which includes approximately 1,400 MW of wind resources in Iowa.
“As we continue to diversify our generation resources, the completion of these projects means more clean, fuel-free energy for our customers,” said Matt Cole, assistant vice president of operations solutions and services for Alliant Energy. “This is just another way we deliver on our purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.”
According to Alliant Energy, it was grateful for the efforts made by local government officials, landowners and construction companies to build the projects.
“The Creston project stands as a testament to Alliant Energy and our commitment to sustainability, not only through clean energy generation but also by prioritizing safety and resilience in the construction of this site. With over 85,000 hours worked and more than 100 peak craft, we proved that sustainability is about protecting both people and the planet”, says Jami Stone, construction project manager at Burns & McDonnell. “We are incredibly grateful to Alliant Energy and the skilled craft, laborers, carpenters and electricians whose dedication, expertise, and commitment to safety made the successful completion of this solar site possible.”
Alliant is not done with the fine details in Creston. During installation of the solar panels. Pollination vegetation has been planted outside the solar panel areas and along fences. Alliant officials plan for additional planting in the spring featuring low-growth grasses to limit mowing.
Alliant Energy expects to place another 200 MW of solar generation into operation in Iowa later this year. These projects help keep the energy company on track to reach its Clean Energy Vision goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its utility operations by 2050.