Alliant Energy is proposing to construct a battery energy storage system in Franklin County next to the substation on 170th Street west of Latimer.
Company officials say that battery storage units store excess electricity and then release it to the grid when needed.
The proposed Whispering Willow North Battery Energy Storage System would have up to 60 megawatts of battery energy storage capacity, that would be a containerized battery system. The system would feature auxiliary power equipment, controls and communications equipment, and would utilize the existing wind collector substation.
No eminent domain is necessary for this project, with the site design for 20-years, and will be assessed for decommissioning at that time.
Alliant has submitted its application to the Iowa Utilities Commission for approval, and could begin construction in early 2026.
