Dozens of speakers largely supported a pair of industrial-scale solar energy projects near the former Duane Arnold Energy Center during a public informational meeting on Dec. 14 hosted by the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) at the Hawkeye Downs Expo Center in Cedar Rapids. The project is being proposed in two phases. The first phase, dubbed […]
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Click here to purchase a paywall bypass linkDozens of speakers largely supported a pair of industrial-scale solar energy projects near the former Duane Arnold Energy Center during a public informational meeting on Dec. 14 hosted by the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) at the Hawkeye Downs Expo Center in Cedar Rapids.
The project is being proposed in two phases. The first phase, dubbed Duane Arnold Solar I, would produce 50 megawatts of energy generation, with construction beginning in early 2023 and completion by the end of 2023. The second phase, Duane Arnold Solar II, would include another 150 megawatts of energy generation and a 75-megawatt battery storage facility, with completion slated for the end of 2024.
Florida-based NextEra Energy Resources, which filed the proposals with the IUB Nov. 2, had announced plans for the solar installations on the Duane Arnold site and surrounding areas in March and has already opened a public office in Palo as the project awaits approval from the IUB and the Linn County Board of Supervisors.
Under the proposals, NextEra Energy Resources would develop and install the solar projects, and Interstate Power and Light, the Iowa-based utility arm of Alliant Energy, would subsequently purchase and operate the facilities.
At the meeting, which also served as an official IUB public hearing for both projects, IUB chair Geri Huser summarized the agency’s regulatory review process. Then, Mike Weich, Midwest regional director of renewable development for NextEra Energy Resources, outlined the project’s general parameters and fielded questions from attendees, along with other representatives from NextEra Energy Resources and Alliant Energy.
In response to audience inquiries, Mr. Weich stressed that all landowners included in the first two Duane Arnold Solar projects are participating voluntarily. There have been no eminent domain initiatives. Taken further in response to a subsequent question, he maintained that position.
“We will not utilize eminent domain for these projects,” he said. “We already have 100% private easements for both projects. We have all the land we need with private, voluntary landowners to build these two projects, and we will not have any need to even think about eminent domain.”
He also pointed out that proximity to the DAEC’s electrical infrastructure was a key factor in NextEra’s decision to propose a solar energy project in the area.
“This is a significant reason why the project was cited where it was,” Mr. Weich said, “and a significant reason why this project is so valuable to the community in which it is located.”
Mr. Weich also indicated the project would provide an estimated $7 million of property tax revenue, plus landowner lease payments, over its expected 30-year lifespan and employ up to 200 local workers during construction, with two permanent local post-construction positions.
Of those critical of the proposal, many focused on the potential for damage due to fires and severe weather events, such as the August 2020 derecho. Mr. Weich said the project is being built to a standard that will withstand severe weather. In addition, fire or other emergencies would be alerted by on-site workers and addressed by area emergency agencies, he said.
IUB will examine the application and consider written comments and objections before deciding whether to issue a certificate for the project. The Linn County Board of Supervisors must also approve plans before any construction.
