A 150 MW solar installation in Saratoga, Wisconsin, has was earned a sustainability award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI).
The ISI has bestowed its Envision Platinum award to Alliant Energy’s Wood County Solar Project, highlighting its contributions to sustainable development and clean and renewable energy. Built by integrated engineer-procure-construct (EPC) contractor Burns & McDonnell, the project will produce approximately 300 GWh of electricity annually.
“Not only will the project contribute toward the state of Wisconsin’s clean energy goals for the next 30 years, but it was developed with thoughtfulness toward the environment, local community and customers at all stages,” said Sara Tomashitis, an environmental project manager with Burns & McDonnell. “The Envision framework provides a practical road map for identifying and realizing opportunities for sustainable performance that may otherwise be missed.”
The initiative is part of Alliant Energy’s solar program that includes adding nearly 1,100 MW of solar power into Wisconsin’s power grid by the summer of 2024.
“Guided by our purpose to serve our customers and build stronger communities, we are proud to be recognized with the Envision Platinum award for our Wood County Solar Project,” said Barbara Tormaschy, senior VP of sustainability and regulatory strategy at Alliant Energy. “We know it’s important to build projects with sustainability in mind because of what it means for our customers. We’re able to create a healthier environment while producing reliable, clean energy for the next 30 years.”
The project scope includes nearly 390,000 solar panels on approximately 1,200 acres, a collector substation and an approximately 3.8-mile, 138 kV overhead transmission line interconnect (Gen-Tie). With its operations regulated by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the completed solar installation produces enough energy to power approximately 40,000 homes annually.
“ISI congratulates Alliant Energy on achieving Envision Platinum for an outstanding project that advances clean and renewable energy in Wisconsin,” said Melissa Peneycad, ISI managing director. “The independent, third-party verification process using the Envision Framework determined that this project attained the highest award level possible, with significant accomplishments that will benefit the local community and environmental sustainability for decades to come.”
The Wood County Solar Project represents one of nine state-of-the-art facilities that Burns & McDonnell is constructing for Alliant Energy as part of the utility’s Clean Energy Blueprint. The contractor anticipates seeking this esteemed recognition for all the other eight locations upon completion.
Tags: Alliant Energy, awards, Burns & McDonnell, utility-scale
