Burns & McDonnell constructs 3 Wisconsin solar projects for Alliant Energy

• Burns & McDonnell has completed EPC services for 3 Alliant Energy solar projects in Wisconsin. The projects belong to Alliant Energy's Clean Energy Blueprint. These projects are currently energized: Bear Creek (50 MW), North Rock (50 MW), Wood County (150 MW).

Despite tariffs on Asian-manufactured solar panels that triggered many developers to stop their projects between late 2021 as well as the first half of 2022, Alliant Energy selected to keep these first 3 projects progressing. Alliant Energy preserved development in its program thanks to a series of positive actions that consisted of procurement of 1.5 million bifacial solar modules ahead of the tariff-related unpredictability that arised. Because of shut partnership in between Alliant Energy as well as the incorporated EPC group, critical paths for long-lead products were determined in addition to innovative engineering that enabled construction scheduling effectiveness.

" Big ideas go nowhere without bold actions," says Doug Riedel, elderly vice president of renewables at Burns & McDonnell. "Alliant Energy took the strong actions needed to keep these projects moving on and satisfying commitments to make its Clean Energy Blueprint a truth."

The projects also were completed with an exemplary safety and security record despite difficult winter weather conditions. Not only did the projects achieve zero OSHA recordables, but developed security treatments also were credited for life-saving measures for a construction staff member that experienced a cardiac arrest on the Wood County job site.

"Keeping everyone who sets foot on our jobsites secure is our assumption, on each of our projects, and achieving that result requires an extreme focus on safety and security by all including an excellent owner partner, executives, project administration, front line guidance and tradespeople," says Matt Ralston, elderly vice president of the Construction Group at Burns & McDonnell.

The solar projects likewise produced numerous opportunities to give back to various communities where they are located. A 2022 charity golf tournament in Cottage Grove elevated more than $30,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin with additional products and funds donated to various local food kitchens, schools and also various other community-based organizations.

As part of a dedication to support the neighborhood work base, an apprenticeship program was set up through AZCO, the union construction subsidiary of Burns & McDonnell. The program offered field-based training and also hands-on experience to 78 apprentices across the program. AZCO has funded apprenticeships to 12 Apprentice Operating Engineers as well as 13 Apprentice NCSRCC Carpenters. Of AZCO's complete labor force for the program to date, 87% are Wisconsin homeowners, thus sustaining local communities where these projects are constructed. In addition, numerous scenic tours were held for neighborhood high school and also second profession school students, stressing the pathways for entering the trades.

Burns & McDonnell has now activated on six extra solar sites included in Alliant Energy's Clean Energy Blueprint. These projects are advancing as arranged thanks to an incorporated EPC agreement framework that develops efficiencies for environmental research studies and allowing, ongoing electric engineering, civil and also architectural design, substation construction and also affiliation tie-in support.

When full, the nine solar centers will certainly span nearly 5,000 acres and include 664 MWAC in total solar capacity to the local grid. Over the period of the program, more than 600 Burns & McDonnell employee-owners and around 870 crafts as well as trades are anticipated to be released to the project sites. These projects utilize Array Technologies, Nucor, Trina Solar, Power Electronic Devices, as well as Vertec products.