Alliant puts Wever BESS online

CEDAR RAPIDS - A large Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is now fully operational in Southeast Iowa. The Wever BESS can now store electricity generated by its adjacent solar field and other resources, then release the energy to the grid as needed. The project is an important component of Alliant Energy’s Energy Blueprint, which is a roadmap for building a strong energy future to meet the growing needs in Iowa and Wisconsin. 
“We are proud to serve every customer with genuine care and to help build communities that shine with strength, connection and possibility,” said Dave Herkert, AVP of Strategic Projects at Alliant Energy. “As we bring new projects like these online, we’re expanding our capacity to deliver reliable energy when our communities need it most.” 
Located in Lee County, the 99-megawatt (MW) Wever BESS is adjacent to the already operational 150-MW solar garden. The storage system will be able to power the equivalent of 100,000 homes for up to four hours. The Wever BESS, combined with three other planned projects, will bring planned battery storage capacity in Iowa to approximately 400 MW. 
Safety and Skilled Labor 
Customer, employee and equipment safety are a top priority for Alliant Energy. The BESS facility, which has an estimated 20-year lifespan, is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing operators to act immediately to any changes in performance. Alliant Energy also worked with the local fire department to ensure readiness on the site in the event of an incident.  

The entire solar and BESS complex was constructed and commissioned thanks to a great relationship with local labor unions. 
“Alliant Energy has long been a strong partner to the Southeast Iowa Building and Construction Trades, consistently relying on local skilled workers to build and maintain their facilities,” said Ryan Drew, President of the Southeast Iowa Building and Construction Trades Council. “Their recent Wever Solar project alone generated more than $15 million in economic impact for local workers and the surrounding community, supporting good wages, long‑term benefits and local apprenticeship programs.” 
Storage Today, Energy Tomorrow  
BESS charge from nearby wind or solar generation when renewable energy is abundant, or from other available resources. The batteries can then add energy to the grid when demand increases, typically on hot summer days and cold winter nights. Alliant Energy contracted with battery energy solutions and software provider FlexGen to design battery components and a portion of the systems at both the Wood County and Wever battery sites. 
“Our mission is to equip utilities and the communities they serve with energy solutions to harness, store and distribute the energy that is vital to the core of our daily lives and economies,” said Jason Rislov, Senior Vice President of Operations at FlexGen. “As grid conditions grow more dynamic, battery storage gives companies like Alliant Energy the confidence to deliver energy as promised while integrating renewable generation, strengthening grid resiliency and meeting long-term load growth.”   
For more information, visit alliantenergy.com/newbess.