Regulatory approval of the 150-MW project paves the way for customer affordability and a more reliable electric grid.
MADISON, Wis. (April 21, 2026) – Alliant Energy announced the Bent Tree North Wind project in Freeborn County, Minnesota, will move forward. The energy company recently received unanimous approval to construct a 150-megawatt (MW) wind project the company will build adjacent to its existing 200-MW Bent Tree wind farm.
The approvals, from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), follow a comprehensive review of the project’s benefits.
“Unanimous approvals in Wisconsin and Minnesota reflect strong regulatory confidence in this project and the value it brings to communities as a whole,” said Becky Valcq, president of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company. “Approval of the Bent Tree North Wind project marks an important step as Alliant Energy continues to build a balanced energy portfolio that includes both renewable and traditional resources to meet customer demand.”
Throughout the regulatory approval process, the Bent Tree North proposal earned strong backing from the Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, Laborers’ International Union of North America of Minnesota and Wisconsin, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, Minnesota Land & Liberty Coalition and RENEW Wisconsin. Leaders of these groups characterized Alliant Energy’s project as a model of stakeholder collaboration and emphasized its potential to drive new economic growth across the region and ensure a more reliable, resilient energy grid.
“The Bent Tree North Wind Project represents continued, meaningful investment in Freeborn County—creating jobs, supporting our tax base and delivering long-term value to local landowners,” said Valerie Lockhart, executive director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce. “Just as importantly, it signals our community’s willingness to lead when it comes to emerging technologies and renewable energy. Communities that embrace innovation in these areas position themselves for long-term growth, and Freeborn County is demonstrating that leadership.”
Alliant Energy projects the project to generate more than $100 million in combined economic benefits, including local tax revenue, payments to more than 170 landowner partners, construction wages and other community investments. The company expects the project to generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 50,000 homes each year.
Bent Tree North is part of Alliant Energy’s broader Energy Blueprint, the company’s roadmap to build a strong, balanced energy future that integrates new, renewable and traditional energy generation resources to provide cost-effective, reliable energy to customers.
For more information about the Bent Tree North Wind project and Alliant Energy’s wind energy initiatives, visit alliantenergy.com/wind.
Media Contact: Taylor Adams | (515) 868-9294
About Alliant Energy
The Alliant Energy (NASDAQ: LNT) mission is to deliver energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Based in Madison, its Wisconsin-based energy company, Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), is principally engaged in the generation and distribution of electricity to approximately 500,000 electric retail customers and the distribution and transportation of natural gas to about 200,000 natural gas retail customers in select Wisconsin communities. The company operates in municipalities pursuant to permits of indefinite duration and state statutes authorizing utility operation in areas annexed by a municipality. In addition, the company sells electricity to wholesale customers in Wisconsin. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com and follow Alliant Energy on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.
