Alliant Energy news release

New natural gas-fired facility recognized with Engineering Excellence Best of State award

Madison, Wis. – February 22, 2021 – Alliant Energy’s natural gas-fired West Riverside Energy Center near Beloit has received a 2021 Engineering Excellence Best of State award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Wisconsin. The facility competed in the energy category and won the award based on the skill and creativity shown in engineering.

“We’re very proud of the new West Riverside Energy Center being recognized for its engineering excellence,” said David de Leon, president of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company. “Together with HDR, our owner’s engineer on the project, and AECOM, our lead contractor, we worked hand in hand with the Beloit area and many other organizations to make this state-of-the-art generating station a reality.”

West Riverside Energy Center is Wisconsin’s newest and most efficient natural gas generating station. Put into operation in May 2020, it features the latest technology including the use of a plume abatement system and state-of-the-art water treatment process equipment. The combined-cycle natural gas facility can rapidly adjust its output rate up or down based on regional wind and solar resources, perfectly complementing Alliant Energy’s growing investment in cleaner energy.

“As we accelerate our transition to renewable energy as part of our Clean Energy Blueprint, West Riverside is providing customers with reliable and affordable 24/7 energy,” said de Leon. The investment demonstrates our focus on serving our customers and building strong communities.”

The West Riverside Energy Center previously received a Recycling Excellence Award from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The award was for developing a waste management and recycling program during construction. The recycling program resulted in over 90% of the project’s construction waste being diverted from the landfill.

The generating station was also recognized in May 2020 with an Envision™ Platinum award. The Envision program rates the sustainability of infrastructure projects. It looks at a full range of environmental, social and economic impacts. The Platinum award is the highest Envision recognition. The West Riverside Energy Center is the first Envision Platinum verified project in the state of Wisconsin.

The highly efficient, 730-megawatt West Riverside facility produces enough power for more than 550,000 homes. The generating station site includes:

• Eight acres of new public space, including the extension of a local trail.
• More than 65 acres of restored native prairie and habitat.
• A 4-megawatt solar garden to generate power that will offset the natural gas facility’s energy use.

By winning a state-level award, the West Riverside Energy Center is now entered into the national ACEC competition. The national award winners will be announced this spring.