200 MW/hour energy storage system planned

Alliant Energy has been selected for a U.S. government grant of up to $30 million for a proposed 200 MW/hour energy storage system.

Alliant Energy said the new battery system, known as the Columbia Energy Storage Project, would be the first-of-its-kind in the United States and represents a significant advancement toward a more sustainable, reliable and cost-effective energy future.

The Columbia Energy Storage Project would utilize a design by Energy Dome to deliver 10 hours of energy storage capacity by compressing carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into a liquid. When that energy is needed, the system converts the liquid CO2 back to a gas which powers a turbine to create electricity. 

According to Alliant CEO John Larsen, the unique design and capabilities of this energy storage system aligns with the company’s Clean Energy Vision goals while delivering incredible value to customers.

Development of the Columbia Energy Storage Project is being led by Alliant Energy in partnership with WEC Energy Group, Madison Gas and Electric, Shell Global Solutions US, Electric Power Research Institute, UW-Madison and Madison College.

The facility will be built south of Portage, Wis. in the town of Pacific, near the current Columbia Energy Center. Alliant Energy expects to submit project plans to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission in the first half of 2024. Pending approval, project construction could begin in 2025 with completion in 2026.