PROJECT

866-MWdc Solar Program

We completed engineer-procure-construction (EPC) and self-perform construction services for nine solar projects across Wisconsin. The projects — part of Alliant Energy’s Energy Blueprint — powered approximately 170,000 homes in their first year of production. In addition to generating clean, zero-fuel-cost electricity for Alliant Energy customers, the solar projects deliver long-term economic and financial benefits to local communities through increased revenue payments and new jobs.

As EPC, our work included solar panel installation, substation and transmission line design and construction, and environmental services.

As part of a commitment to support the local employment base, an apprenticeship program was instituted through AZCO, the union construction subsidiary of Burns & McDonnell. Of the 1,300 craft workforce that helped construct the projects, over 75% were Wisconsin residents. Additionally, multiple tours were conducted for local high school and secondary trade school students, emphasizing career opportunities and pathways for entering the trades.

Our team’s tasks included civil and structural engineering, protection and control design, relay settings, SCADA design and commissioning, and NERC compliance. The substation tasks included design, procurement and construction specifications, material and contractor submittal reviews, and construction support.

Client

Alliant Energy

Location

Wisconsin

Region

Midwest

Services

Solar

Renewables

Construction

Substations

Electrical Transmission

Industry

Power

In developing and constructing these projects, we worked with Alliant Energy to support their commitment to Environmental Stewardship Goals. We followed, documented and submitted the Envision Sustainability Framework – and all nine sites were awarded Platinum Envision ISI verification. This is the highest award level and recognizes the contributions to sustainable development along with clean and renewable energy. The program was also named Best Project, Energy/Industrial and Award of Merit/Sustainability by ENR Magazine.

We built nine greenfield substations, with gen-tie lines consisting of 69-kV and 138-kV transmission. The program experienced zero lost time incidents across nearly 1.7 million work hours. The nine solar facilities span nearly 5,000 acres and collectively add 866 MWdc/664 MWac of solar capacity to Alliant Energy’s diverse generation portfolio.