Construction of the Bear Creek solar farm began in July 2021. Burns & McDonnell was the EPC contractor for the project and utilised operating engineers, carpenters, labourers and electricians from several local union halls – increasing the positive economic impact and community benefit.
In addition to this site producing clean solar energy to power homes and businesses, Richland County and the town of Buena Vista will receive an estimated $200,000 in combined shared revenue payments annually for the next 30 years through the state’s shared revenue programme.
“This project represents a significant, long-term investment in our community” said Van Nelson, town of Buena Vista clerk. “The township very much appreciated how well they were kept informed of progress throughout the project. The strong partnership with Alliant Energy and its commitment to responsible stewardship ensures that this solar farm will deliver economic, environmental and financial benefits for decades to come.”
David de Leon, Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin president, added that the project is an incredible milestone for the company’s customers and that the facility diversifies the company’s energy portfolio, boosts American energy independence and increases access to affordable electricity
Alliant Energy is following the plan outlined in its Clean Energy Blueprint to bring clean, reliable and affordable energy to customers for years to come. The plan includes constructing more than 1,000 MW of utility-scale solar energy at 12 sites across Wisconsin. The Bear Creek Solar Project is the first of these 12 sites to become operational. Three additional projects are expected to go into service later this year.
The company hopes to eliminate coal from its generation fleet by 2040 and achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity it generates by 2050. Following the plans laid out in its Clean Energy Blueprint, Alliant Energy’s 12 utility scale projects will create more than 2,000 local construction jobs, provide an estimated $130 million in local tax revenues over the next 30 years and help customers avoid more than $1.6 billion in long-term costs.
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