Alliant Energy launches solar education and research initiative

MADISON, Wis., May 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliant Energy showcased an innovative and unique energy education and research initiative today at its Madison, Wis. campus. The ribbon was cut to signal the official launch of a technology project that will guide future energy solutions for the company and its customers.

Alliant Energy's Madison location is now the home of an energy learning lab that includes several types of solar structures, multiple electric vehicle charging stations and a battery energy storage system. The project is designed to study how solar energy and battery energy storage work in our Midwest climate and to support the adoption of electric vehicles.

"Our experience and shared knowledge will benefit customers, communities and others in the energy industry," said Patricia Kampling, Alliant Energy Chairman, President and CEO. "We're gaining valuable information on how to best integrate these technologies into the power grid." 

For the next three years, Alliant Energy is collaborating with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to study solar and energy storage technologies at its Madison campus. EPRI is examining the integration of on-site renewable power sources and energy storage with the existing power grid. The Madison project is one of only six EPRI integrated grid solar pilot projects across the country. EPRI is the leading national research and development group for electric use, generation and delivery.

The project ribbon-cutting event took place at Alliant Energy's campus on Madison's east side. It was attended by over 100 representatives from government, business, energy groups, environmental organizations along with customers. More information on the initiative can be found at alliantenergy.com/solar.

Alliant Energy is looking beyond traditional generation and investing in cleaner energy resources. This continues a path that includes over a century of producing hydroelectric power, more than two decades of providing wind power, and assisting 1,800 customers with the installation of their renewable energy generation.

Alliant Energy Corporation LNT, headquartered in Madison, Wis., provides regulated electric and natural gas service to 950,000 electric and 410,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy's mission is to deliver the energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Power and Light Company are Alliant Energy's two public utility subsidiaries. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com.

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SOURCE Alliant Energy Corporation