The Beaver Dam Solar Project is a 50-megawatt (MW) solar project in Dodge County, Wisconsin. Comprised of a solar array set on approximately 379 acres and a collector substation, the project injects clean, low-cost energy to power thousands of homes. Fiber optic connects the project to dispatch and monitoring centers for real-time data tracking and troubleshooting. This project is one in a portfolio of solar projects in Wisconsin supporting Alliant Energy’s transition to a more diverse energy mix. This portfolio, totaling nearly 1,100 MW of solar generation, represents a key initiative of Alliant Energy’s Clean Energy Blueprint, which serves as a roadmap to accelerate the company’s transition to renewable energy. Alliant Energy chose to use the Envision Sustainable Infrastructure framework for this portfolio of projects to align its project development practices with the company’s sustainability goals. “ISI is excited to recognize the sustainability achievements of the Beaver Dam Solar Project with an Envision Platinum Award,” said Kristi Wamstad, ISI’s Verification Director. “Alliant Energy clearly demonstrated how it took into account a full spectrum of sustainability considerations in the design and construction of this outstanding project.” “Faced with the challenges of driving piles into the glacial till, our team demonstrated exceptional collaboration and teamwork across multiple disciplines to develop a solution that not only stabilized the piles but also mitigated the impacts of the freeze-thaw cycle,” said Tyler Hogle, Construction Project Manager at the Beaver Dam Site. “This approach provides resiliency by safeguarding its structural integrity throughout its operational lifespan.” Envision was designed to promote more sustainable, resilient, and equitable infrastructure projects. It is comprised of 64 sustainability and resiliency indicators (called credits) which are organized within five categories: Quality of Life, Leadership, Resource Allocation, Natural World, and Climate and Resilience. Together, the categories and credits address materials, energy, conservation, community development, planning, collaboration, human well-being, mobility, and more. Completing this verification process and earning an Envision Platinum Award for the Beaver Dam Solar Project serves to validate and recognize this project team’s dedicated efforts through an objective third-party source. Sustainability Leadership – Alliant Energy demonstrated strong leadership and commitment, with systems in place to foster collaboration and teamwork. It also developed a sustainability management plan with strategies to achieve those goals, supported by regular interdisciplinary meetings and utilizing imbedded organizational processes and quality control practices. The project also highlighted the role of infrastructure development to stimulate economic prosperity. Beaver Dam Solar achieved this by hiring local and union workers, and by generating long-term revenue for the local communities. The project will generate approximately $200,000 annually in shared revenue payments to the Town of Beaver Dam, Town of Burnett, and Dodge County. Enhances Public Health and Safety – The project used fiber optic technology to enhance public health and safety. The non-conductive nature of fiber optics makes them safer for technicians to handle compared to copper wire, reducing the risk of electrical hazards to workers and the public. Additionally, a glare study was conducted that assessed potential visibility impacts for drivers and nearby residences, with findings indicating no predicted risk to public health and safety from glare. Preserve Water and Protect Water Quality – A water quality assessment report was prepared to evaluate the impact of converting agricultural land to prairie grassland on local surface waters and wetlands. The assessment showed that this transformation would reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, and biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels, thereby improving the quality of nearby waterways. The project also identified potential sources of contamination from construction and operations and implemented mitigation measures to prevent negative impacts to surface and groundwater. Renewable Energy Generation – Alliant Energy has an aspirational goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its utility operations by 2050 through diversifying its energy sources and transitioning to cleaner fuels. This project aims to support that goal by generating approximately 105,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy in its first year of operation. Reduce Air Pollutant Emissions – This project uses solar technology to generate renewable energy without producing air pollutants. It supports the transition to sustainable energy by providing clean and reliable power for decades. By using renewable energy technology, this project helps reduce the environmental impact of electricity generation and plays a key role in improving air quality. PROJECT DETAILS AT-A-GLANCE Title: Beaver Dam Solar Project Verified Sustainability Achievements
Location: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Envision Rating: Platinum
Envision Award Date: October 9, 2024
Lead Envision Firm: Burns & McDonnell
Project Owner: Alliant Energy
Project Partners: Burns & McDonnell
Total Project Cost: USD $62.2 million
Project Delivery Method: Engineer, Procure, Construct (EPC)
Project Status: Operational
Project Website: Alliant Energy – Beaver Dam Solar Project
