Burns & McDonnell has completed construction of two solar projects for Alliant Energy in Iowa: the 150 MW Wever solar project and the 50 MW Creston solar project.
“These projects are a testament to Alliant Energy’s commitment to sustainability and our commitment to safety and resiliency,” says Jami Steenconstruction project manager at Burns & McDonnell. “With more than 326,000 hours worked and more than 420 craftspeople at the peak of construction, we have demonstrated that sustainability is about protecting both people and the planet.”
A significant proportion of artisans came from local unions, underscoring Burns & McDonnell’s commitment to supporting the communities where it works. Through apprenticeships and other on-the-job training, the projects narrowed the skilled trades gap seen in Iowa in recent years.
“We are incredibly grateful to Alliant Energy and the skilled workers, carpenters and electricians whose dedication, skills and experience made these projects successful,” said Stone.
Weaver solar project
The 150 MW Wever solar project covers approximately 2,000 acres in Lee County and is one of Iowa’s largest solar installations. Located in a floodplain between the Skunk and Mississippi Rivers, the project required meticulous planning and innovative solutions, including:
- Flood Mitigation: A 500-year flood preparedness system with advanced drain tiles was installed to protect the environmentally sensitive site.
- Multi-site coordination: The project was divided into two arrays – 90 MW and 60 MW – located six kilometers apart, requiring complex electrical integration.
- Future-proof design: The substation is designed with the flexibility to add battery energy storage in the future.
Creston Solar Project
The 50 MW Creston solar project in Union County overcame the challenges of uneven terrain and erosion risks near the Platte River. The Burns & McDonnell team used advanced erosion control methods and precision grading techniques to stabilize the site.
Economic and environmental benefits
The two projects are expected to generate long-term economic and environmental benefits, including:
- Environmental management: Native grasses and pollinator-friendly plants were sown throughout the sites, enriching soils, reducing erosion and supporting the improvement of the water quality of local watersheds.
- Community involvement: Both projects supported local businesses, food banks and toy drives throughout the life of the projects. Burns & McDonnell raised $30,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa and organized food and toy drives to support nearby communities.
“As we continue to diversify our generation assets, the completion of these projects means more clean, fuel-free energy for our customers,” said Matt Cole, assistant vice president of operations solutions and services at Alliant Energy. “This is just another way we are achieving our purpose of serving customers and building stronger communities.”
Both locations are submitted for third-party verification through the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Imagine a frameworkresponses are expected in early 2025 previous nine solar energy locations Burns & McDonnell built for Alliant Energy, in Wisconsin, were all designated Envision Platinum.
“From innovative engineering to self-executed construction, these projects highlight the value of an integrated EPC approach,” says Chad Cottervice president of solar energy at Burns & McDonnell. “We are proud to have worked with Alliant Energy to set a new benchmark for clean energy projects in Iowa.”
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