Alliant Energy announces plans for the largest solar and battery facility in Iowa

The company submits its plan to the IUB to acquire part of the Duane Arnold Solar Project from NextEra Energy Resources and to convert land from the former Duane Arnold nuclear power site

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Nov. 2, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Today, Alliant Energy (NASDAQ: LNT) announced plans to produce the first part of its planned 400 megawatts (MW) of solar power in a filing with the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) Iowa. In the filing, Alliant Energy explains its intention to acquire 200 MW solar energy and 75 MW battery storage from Phase I and II of the Duane Arnold Solar Project, which is being developed by wholly-owned, indirect subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC in Linn County.

After commissioning, Alliant Energy will own and operate both projects. Today’s announcement marks the first major milestone for Alliant Energy in the implementation of its Clean Energy Blueprint in Iowa. Upon commissioning, which is expected by the end of 2024, the project will position Alliant Energy as the largest combined solar and battery storage operator in the state.

The coupling of battery storage and solar energy cost-effectively meets customer demand and ensures a safe and reliable service for customers. The combination also contributes to a healthier environment and serves as a local economic catalyst as the company continues to accelerate its transition to providing cleaner, renewable energy to customers and the communities that Alliant Energy serves.

“Part of our focused strategy is to serve customers and build stronger communities,” said Terry Kouba, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company. “Our plan also keeps customer affordability a priority. We are excited to transform the land from the decommissioned nuclear facility into the largest solar and battery storage facility in Iowa. “

The development and construction of 200 MW solar energy and 75 MW battery storage in the Duane Arnold Solar Project will create up to 200 new jobs in construction. According to an economic impact study conducted by Strategic Economic Research, the two projects will have total projected positive economic output of up to $ 260 million in the state of Iowa (including up to $ 154 million in Linn County). This includes the cumulative effects of new jobs, wages, tax revenues and other economic activities during construction and during the life of the projects.

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The projects also serve to convert part of the land and the infrastructure of the former Duane Arnold nuclear power plant. The transmission infrastructure already available at the site is to be used.

“This is good for our customers, the communities we serve and the environment, while also providing solar power to tens of thousands of homes,” said Mayuri Farlinger, director of operations at Alliant Energy. “In addition, these projects assure our customers that we have a diverse mix of reliable energy generation to meet their ongoing needs.”

The company expects to outline plans for the remaining 200 MW solar power generation in Iowa at a later date. Once all new projects are up and running, along with Alliant Energy’s existing 1,300 MW wind turbine in Iowa, nearly 50% of the company’s total resource mix in the state will consist of renewable resources. Alliant Energy, the third largest owner and operator of regulated wind energy in the country, is well on its way to achieving this milestone by 2025.

Alliant Energy filed its application with the Iowa Utilities Board today (November 2, 2021) to advance these projects. The announcement coincides with the filing of subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resources with the IUB seeking approval for the facility’s location.

“We are excited to continue working with Alliant Energy and the Linn County community, which we fortunately have been serving with the Duane Arnold Energy Center for 15 years,” said Matt Handel, senior vice president of development at NextEra Energy Resources. “Duane Arnold Solar is an innovative project that combines inexpensive, clean, renewable energy from the sun with battery storage technology – and gives customers more access to renewable energy for more hours of the day, even when the sun is not shining. ”

“Alliant Energy and NextEra Energy Resources have a long history of working together to provide carbon-free energy sources and power generation to customers,” said Kouba. “With these plans, we are on the right track to meet our ambitious goal of net zero carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation by 2050. Our customers, the local community and the environment will benefit from this solar and battery storage system for decades to come. ”

A decision by the IUB is expected in the second half of 2022. To learn more about Alliant Energy’s plans, visit alliantenergy.com/iowasolar.

Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy services to 975,000 electricity and 420,000 natural gas customers in Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy’s mission is to deliver the energy solutions and exceptional service that customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Power and Light Company are Alliant Energy’s two public energy companies. Alliant Energy is included in the Nasdaq CRD Sustainability Index, the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index 2020 and the S&P 500. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified because they contain words such as “plans,” “expects,” “projections,” “will,” “expects,” or other words or expressions of similar meaning. Likewise, statements that describe future plans or strategies, our vision for clean energy, the conversion of our energy resources, planned resource expansions, and future emissions reductions are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Actual results could be materially influenced by factors such as: the inability to obtain regulatory approvals or required approvals in a timely manner; adopt governmental measures that delay or reject the proposed construction plans for generation or contain the conditions that render the construction plans uneconomical for future generation, including interest income and return on equity; the inability to procure the necessary equipment and manpower on time; increased costs of equipment, goods used in equipment, duties, labor and real estate; Changes in tax laws that could affect solar projects’ eligibility for the expected amount of investment tax credits; unexpected construction problems, delays, or expenses; Failure of equipment and technology to perform as expected; political conditions in Alliant Energy’s service areas; Changes in Alliant Energy’s access to capital markets; adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and responses to the pandemic; current or future litigation, government investigation, proceeding, or inquiry; and economic conditions in the Alliant Energy service area. These factors should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking statements and undue reliance should be placed on such statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are as of the date of this release, and Alliant Energy and Interstate Power and Light Company undertake no obligation to publicly update these statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

Media contact: Morgan Hawk (319) 786-4040
Investor Relations Contact: Zac Fields (319) 786-8146