Alliant Energy begins expansion project at Wisconsin power facility

Alliant Energy recently began work on expanding its Riverside Energy Center, a natural gas-fueled facility near Beloit, Wisconsin, that generates 700 megawatts with an integrated 2-megawatt solar field.
"Today marks a major step forward in our mission to provide cost-effective, reliable energy for decades to come," Alliant Energy Chairman, President and CEO Patricia Kampling said at a ceremony to mark the project’s start. "This highly efficient facility will modernize our generating operations and advance our transition to cleaner energy sources."
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and several other state and local officials attended the ceremony.
Construction associated with the expansion is expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs, as well as an estimated $250 million economic impact for the surrounding area. In total, the project bears an estimated cost of $700 million. When the expansion is complete, which is projected for early 2020, the facility will be capable of serving more 535,000 homes.
"Community support and strong partnerships made this possible," John Larsen, president of Alliant Energy's Wisconsin utility, said. "The investment in this site will shape the energy future for our customers and our company."