Alliant Energy's Wisconsin Power and Light Co. unit announced that it will proceed with plans to add 100 megawatts of wind generation in Wisconsin in 2005.
The company, which last year had 5.4 percent of the nation's wind capacity on its system, will accept proposals from bidders for 10 to 100 megawatts of wind generation in one or more locations in Wisconsin, for a minimum of 15 years.
Kim Zuhlke, vice president new energy resources, said the company has increasing interest in owning wind generation.
"We have created a very successful business building the infrastructure necessary to connect wind farms to the electric grid over the past several years, so we have a strong understanding and growing expertise in the wind generation business," said Zuhlke. "All of our current wind energy capacity is based on various purchased-power contracts, so given our growing expertise and interest, we believe this may be an appropriate time to begin establishing an ownership interest in wind generation."
Alliant said one key factor necessary for a wind project to move forward is the extension of the federal Production Tax Credit law, which expired Dec. 31, but is currently being debated by lawmakers for renewal.
The incentive for renewable energy production has helped the wind energy industry to grow and resulted in wind turbine technology improvements that have made wind an increasingly efficient, reliable and cost-effective source of electricity. Without the PTC in place, Zuhlke says, wind power is not as economically feasible for our customers.
"We are working closely with our federal elected officials to ensure the renewable energy production tax credit is extended so this project can move forward," he said.
Alliant said the solicitation is one part of Alliant's multi-part strategy to address growing energy needs. In December, Alliant announced it would be adding 615 MW of nameplate electric generating capacity in Wisconsin from 2004 through 2010. This includes 300 MW of natural gas simple-cycle generation, 200 MW share in a large base load coal plant, 15 MW anaerobic digesters, and 100 MW wind generation.
Zuhlke stressed that the additional wind energy capacity is intended to compliment the proposed 300-megawatt, natural gas-fired peaking Sheboygan Falls plant announced in Jan. 2004.
Published: 8:50 AM 3/26/04
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