"Dubuque is extremely pleased to be part of a significant project that will create a meaningful and lasting impact on our community," said Dubuque Mayor Roy D. Buol. "Initiatives like this are the key to increasing access to renewable energy and creating a sustainable future."
"This collaboration demonstrates the power of a city, a local business and a utility working together," said John Larsen, senior vice president of Alliant Energy. "The project showcases how we’re looking beyond traditional energy generation to develop renewable energy for customers."
The first site is a former foundry near downtown owned by A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. The second site is planned for the city’s newly acquired land near the Dubuque Industrial Center West. Alliant Energy’s project will transform the land into a source of renewable energy and will study how to develop similar sites across Iowa.
"We’re pleased to help develop a renewable energy project that’s good for both the economy and the environment," said Rob McDonald, president and CEO of A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.
Alliant Energy expects the system to be at least four megawatts and begin operating in 2017.
