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In a remarkable feat of engineering and construction, Burns & McDonnell has successfully completed nine solar projects across Wisconsin as part of Alliant Energy’s Clean Energy Blueprint. These projects are poised to provide clean, zero-fuel-cost electricity to approximately 170,000 homes in their inaugural year of production.
The construction of these solar facilities commenced in 2021, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages, and disruptions in the supply chain. Despite these obstacles, Burns & McDonnell managed to deliver all projects on schedule, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in the field of solar construction.
Chad Cotter, the vice president of solar construction at Burns & McDonnell, hailed the completion of these projects as a significant achievement, emphasizing the crucial role played by the integrated teams and Alliant Energy’s bold vision in overcoming challenges.
Alliant Energy’s strategic investments in solar technology underscore their commitment to delivering safer, cleaner, and more reliable energy to their customers. Tim Kreft, senior manager of strategic projects at Alliant Energy, highlighted the importance of diversifying the generation portfolio to build stronger communities and avoid long-term costs.
The solar program employed over 1,300 craft workers, with a focus on supporting the local employment base. Through an apprenticeship program initiated by AZCO, a union construction subsidiary, 230 apprentices were trained in various trades, further bolstering the workforce in Wisconsin.
In recognition of their safety culture, Burns & McDonnell presented the Blue Heart Safety Award to seven employees of the Wood County Solar Project for their exemplary response during a medical emergency on-site.
Furthermore, the projects were developed and constructed with environmental sustainability in mind, following the Envision Sustainability Framework. The Bear Creek, Wood County, and North Rock sites received Platinum Envision ISI verification for their contributions to sustainable development and clean energy.
The completion of these solar projects marks a significant milestone in Wisconsin’s renewable energy landscape, adding 764 MW of solar capacity to Alliant Energy’s diverse generation portfolio. With projects ranging from the Albany Solar Project to the Wood County Solar Project, these initiatives are set to have a transformative impact on the region’s energy infrastructure and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. |
