Breaking Ground on a New Era of Solar Power
The recent online activation of a 200-MW solar facility in Linn County, Iowa, signifies a significant milestone in the state’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix. The Pleasant Creek Solar installation, formerly known as Duane Arnold Solar, is the largest solar power project built in Iowa to date.
The Largest Solar Installation in the State
• The Pleasant Creek Solar facility serves as a testament to Alliant Energy’s ‘all of the above’ energy strategy, which aims to provide cost-effective energy resources that increase reliability for customers. • The project joins two other solar installations—Creston and Wever, which began operating last year—to provide Alliant Energy with a total of 400 MW of solar power capacity in Iowa. • This significant addition to Alliant Energy’s renewable energy portfolio is part of the company’s broader efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
A New Era of Economic Growth
The Pleasant Creek Solar project exemplifies the positive impact that innovative renewable energy projects can have on local communities and the broader energy landscape. According to Mayuri Farlinger, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company and vice president of operations, the project will drive economic growth by:
• Attracting businesses to communities
• Creating jobs
• Boosting tax revenues
A Homage to Pleasant Creek Lake
The Pleasant Creek Solar name pays tribute to Pleasant Creek Lake, a man-made lake created near the project site when the Duane Arnold Energy Center was built. The lake served as an emergency water source for the state’s only nuclear power plant, which closed in 2020.
A Collaboration for Clean Energy
The Pleasant Creek Solar project was developed by Duane Arnold Solar LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC, in partnership with Alliant Energy and local officials. Jonas van Stappen, director of development for NextEra Energy Resources, stated that the project is a testament to the positive impact that innovative renewable energy projects can have on local communities and the broader energy landscape.
“We appreciate the partnership with NextEra Energy Resources, local officials, and landowners to help us continue delivering safe, reliable energy to benefit our customers and the communities we serve,” said Mayuri Farlinger. “It’s one more way we deliver on our purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.”
Alliant Energy has added approximately 1,500 MW of utility-scale solar energy resources across Iowa and Wisconsin since 2022. This significant expansion of the company’s renewable energy portfolio demonstrates its commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and creating sustainable value for future generations.
| Company | Project | Capacity (MW) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| NextEra Energy Resources | Duane Arnold Solar | 200 | Linn County, Iowa |
| Alliant Energy | Pleasant Creek Solar | 200 | Linn County, Iowa |
| Alliant Energy | Creston Solar | 100 | Creston, Iowa |
| Alliant Energy | Wever Solar | 100 | Wever, Iowa |
The online activation of the Pleasant Creek Solar facility marks a significant milestone in Iowa’s renewable energy journey. As the largest solar power project built in the state, it demonstrates Alliant Energy’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and creating sustainable value for future generations. With the addition of this project, Alliant Energy has further solidified its position as a leader in the renewable energy sector, and its customers can look forward to a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix.
