Alliant Energy Corp. is working to eliminate all coal use by 2040, 10 years sooner than previously planned, and by 2050 is aspiring to be net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the electricity it generates, according to their 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report (CRR).

The Madison, WI-based utility, which serves around 420,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin, recently issued its 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report (CRR), highlighting the alternative energy goal to eliminate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Alliant has accelerated its goals of achieving a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, eliminating coal from the generation fleet by 2040, and meeting net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

Alliant recently announced plans to retire its coal-fired Edgewater Generating Station in Sheboygan, WI, by the end of 2022. 

Additionally, with six recently announced solar projects across Wisconsin, the company is set to begin the first phase of solar construction, which would prepare it to add 1,000 MW of solar in Wisconsin by 2023. Once each plant is completed, Alliant will have added 775 MW of solar capacity to its energy mix.  

Alliant is currently navigating opportunities to fully remove CO2 emissions produced by the company from the environment. 

While the company is still finalizing its roadmap for Iowa, it is already transitioning to alternative energy and working to reduce its carbon footprint in the state through increasing wind generation. These efforts have aided Alliant in reaching a previous goal — to have 30% of its energy mix originate from carbon-free renewable resources — 10 years ahead of schedule.