Alliant Energy: Pioneering microgrid project completed in Richland County

MADISON, Wis. (August 24, 2023) – As battery storage systems become more common in the energy sector, a relatively small pilot project in rural Richland County is delivering a big improvement for local residents and businesses. In a first for Wisconsin, Alliant Energy announced the completion of a community-scale microgrid system in the village of Boaz in Richland County.

For this unique microgrid project, Alliant Energy created a small-scale power grid with islanding capability, meaning the system can seamlessly disconnect from the traditional grid and operate independently in the event of a power outage or service disruption. When disconnected from the traditional grid, microgrids can ensure customers in a defined area continue to have power from a distributed energy resource, such as battery, wind, solar or a combination thereof. The benefit of this system: improved reliability and reduced service disruptions.

“We’ve been impacted by severe storms and power outages, affecting everything from the lights in our homes to our public works and utility services,” said Jean Nicks, Boaz village president. “This new microgrid system supports our community and means we won’t have to worry constantly about outages that previously disabled equipment like our pumps for hours or days on end. In addition to the added peace of mind, this microgrid will deliver great savings for our village.”

In October 2021, Alliant Energy announced its plans to construct the Boaz reliability microgrid. The Boaz microgrid system is one of several advanced research pilot projects Alliant Energy operates as it continues to expand access to energy storage solutions. The company has operated battery pilot systems in Iowa and Wisconsin for several years and continues to explore new applications and opportunities.

“The completion of this microgrid battery system is a major step forward as we leverage new technology to improve energy reliability and grid resilience,” said Mike Bremel, director of Engineering and Customer Solutions at Alliant Energy. “This infrastructure upgrade allows us to expand our operational experience and apply new insights to future development opportunities.”

In addition to the microgrid project, the company has announced plans to develop utility-scale battery energy storage projects alongside its Edgewater Generating Station in Sheboygan and at its Grant County and Wood County solar project sites. Alliant Energy’s growing portfolio of battery systems complement the company’s transition to renewable energy generation while ensuring safe, reliable and affordable energy for customers.