Public utility doubles battery storage capacity in US Midwest

A public utility in the state of Wisconsin, USA, has added a 5 MW energy storage system, doubling the company’s battery storage capacity in the US Midwest.

Alliant Energy said the added energy storage delivers increased reliability for customers and long-term access to clean, locally generated electricity. Completion of the state-of-the-art battery system is another significant step in Alliant Energy’s development of storage capacity to complement its growing renewable energy portfolio, the company said.

The facility incorporates a battery manufactured by California-based BYD. Fractal Energy Storage Consultants designed the controls system and WEG Electrical was the project integrator. Alliant Energy provides regulated energy service to 975 000 electric and 420 000 natural gas customers across the states of Iowa and Wisconsin. 

“Advances in battery storage technology are helping to maximize the benefits of renewable energy development for our customers and the communities we serve,” said David de Leon, president of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company. “Battery storage will ensure we continue to deliver safe, clean and reliable energy to our customers as we grow our renewable energy portfolio.”

Adjacent to Alliant Energy’s substation in Portage, Wisconsin, the new battery system increases the total power rating of Alliant Energy’s energy storage systems across its service territory from roughly 3.5 MW to 8.5 MW. In addition to serving as an energy storage resource, Alliant Energy plans to capitalize on research and development opportunities by closely studying the system’s performance, design features and grid integration.

“As technologies improve, we are excited about the potential for battery storage solutions to deliver enhanced efficiency, reliability and affordability for our electric customers,” de Leon said. “These smart investments in innovative energy solutions are transforming our energy grid and create countless new opportunities for the customers and communities we serve.”

Alliant Energy’s Clean Energy Blueprint outlines how the company will advance its transition to clean energy solutions including the addition of nearly 1100 MW of solar energy in Wisconsin. With increasing sustainability expectations from customers and businesses, Alliant Energy delivers proven solutions to cost-effectively accelerate renewable energy generation and reduce carbon emissions.