We plan to add 400 megawatts (MW) of solar in Iowa and intend the first 200 MW to come from the Duane Arnold Solar Project in Linn County. We plan to add 75 MW of battery energy storage at the same location. Learn more about the largest solar and battery facility in Iowa. 

Solar energy is a smart investment. Adding solar is more cost-effective than continuing to maintain and operate traditional energy sources like coal. Solar is a renewable energy resource and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It’s also better for the environment. When the sun is shining, it provides constant and limitless supply. We are acting today to identify the best sites for solar in Iowa.

In addition, customers can benefit from Community Solar as we bring together people with a common interest in powering their homes and businesses with solar energy. See how it works and how to get started.

Learn more about our solar generation and what we are already doing in Iowa.

We recently completed the addition of 1,000 megawatts (MW) of wind in Iowa. This brings Alliant Energy’s total of owned and operated wind generation in the state to nearly 1,300 total MW, enough to power over 500,000 Iowa homes.

Wind is a clean source of energy and a key part of our diversified energy mix.

With wind there are no fuel costs, which means our investment in this renewable resource provides long-term savings for our customers.

The Iowa wind expansion generates tax revenue for communities and lease payments to landowners.

Alliant Energy is now the third-largest utility owner-operator of regulated wind in the United States. Learn more about our wind farms.

With an eye toward reducing carbon dioxide emissions and delivering cleaner, more cost-effective energy, our goal is to eliminate all coal from our generation fleet by 2040.

The Lansing Generating Station stopped generating electricity at the end of 2022. This action positions us to achieve a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030.

At the end of 2021, we transitioned the Burlington Generating Station from coal to natural gas, further helping to achieve our carbon dioxide reduction goals. This transition ensures we maintain a diversified energy mix providing energy availability and reliability that’s complementary to our wind and solar energy generation.

As we transition from coal to cleaner energy, we provide career assistance to employees who are interested. This includes one-on-one coaching, tuition reimbursement and other resources geared toward the individual and unique needs of each employee.

In addition to caring for employees, we work with the communities of Burlington and Lansing during the transitions. We will be working closely with city and community leaders in Lansing to determine the best use of the site along with discussing ways to continue supporting the economic health of the community.

Battery storage units maximize the value of our renewable energy assets. This storage capacity allows us to capture excess electricity that is generated when the wind is blowing strongest and the sun is shining brightest. When the sun goes down or energy demands increase, we can release this stored battery power onto the grid and deliver clean, reliable energy to customers.

These energy storage solutions improve reliability and better meet customer needs – all while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and avoiding costly energy grid rebuilds.

We currently have several battery storage units in operation and continue to evaluate potential development opportunities. Our battery systems in Wellman, Marshalltown, Decorah and Cedar Rapids are all helping to improve energy reliability and efficiency.

With plans to add 75 megawatts of battery storage in Linn County, we are working to harness more locally grown power and accelerate our transition to renewable energy. Learn more about the largest solar and battery facility in Iowa. 

Customers can better control their energy use and manage their bills by participating in our new Smart Thermostat Demand Response program. With advanced technology, customers can control how they keep their homes comfortable – during the hottest and coldest days – while also reducing their energy consumption and protecting the environment. Customers can also track their energy use by signing up for Usage Alerts in My Account.