All energy sources deliver the same product, and the electricity is there for you – when and where you need it. The refrigerator keeps running, the lights keep turning on, the A/C (or furnace) keeps you cool (or warm) regardless of the source that generates it – coal, sunshine, wind. However, in the community and around the globe, the source makes a big difference.
Becoming less reliant on coal
When it comes to generating electricity from coal, environmental concerns continue to increase. At the same time, companies are exploring ways to shift the way they generate energy and broaden their generation portfolio beyond coal. At Alliant Energy, we’ve outlined our plans to eliminate all coal from our generation fleet by 2040 and our commitment to transitioning to renewables in our Clean Energy Blueprint.
Fortunately, the energy sources we’re shifting toward, like wind and solar, are also more cost-effective and require less maintenance than traditional energy sources. The investment will pay off for our customers, the communities we proudly serve and the environment.
A closer look at the transition to solar, wind
Accelerating our transition to clean energy includes solar, wind and several other factors.
When it comes to solar, the transition includes converting energy from the sun for your refrigerator, lights and heating/cooling. And, we’re well on our way to making solar generation the standard.
We’re constructing nearly 1,500 megawatts (MW) of energy across Iowa and Wisconsin. To store the energy that the sun creates, in order to release it on shady or high-demand days, we’re exploring battery energy storage. Already, we have several battery pilot projects in place, with plans to build out more.
Complementing solar is wind energy. In Iowa, we have the ability to generate about 1,300 MW of wind energy — enough to power more than 500,000 homes. Coupled with our Wisconsin wind farms, we are the third-largest utility owner-operator of regulated wind in the United States.
Benefits beyond energy
Cleaner energy powers communities. Construction of new facilities creates jobs and brings revenue into the area, and that’s just the start. Creating sustainable infrastructure brings in new residents and businesses that might otherwise have looked elsewhere. Supporting our sustainable energy goals helps customers, communities and organizations do the same.
Change can mean challenge, and of course there have been ups and downs, but the payoff is monumental — in long-term avoided costs, environmental gains, reliability of the electric grid, and overall benefit to our communities.
We’re happy to tell you more or to help you make some sustainable moves of your own.