The solar facility once known as Duane Arnold Solar is up and running – and has a new name.
The 200 megawatt Pleasant Creek Solar facility is now operational and generating energy for customers, a release from Alliant Energy stated. The name pays homage to Pleasant Creek Lake, a man-made lake near the project site created when the Duane Arnold Energy Center was built, serving as an emergency water source for the generating plant.
“Pleasant Creek Solar exemplifies our ‘all of the above’ energy strategy, resulting in cost-effective energy resources that increase reliability for customers,” said Mayuri Farlinger, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company and vice president of operations. “Our solar projects and energy system investments drive economic growth by attracting businesses to communities, creating jobs and boosting tax revenues.”
The project in Linn County – now owned by Alliant Energy – was developed by Duane Arnold Solar LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC, and connects into the electrical transmission grid directly through the substation formerly used for the retired nuclear-powered Duane Arnold Energy Center.
Calling it the “largest solar field in Iowa” at approximately 1,100 acres, Alliant Energy estimates the facility will generate enough electricity to power 40,000 homes annually. Combined with the 2024 Creston and Wever solar projects, the company is now harnessing the sun to generate 400 MW of new solar energy resources in Iowa – complementing Alliant’s estimated 1,300 MW of wind resources.
“Pleasant Creek Solar is a testament to the positive impact that innovative renewable energy projects can have on local communities and the broader energy landscape,” said Jonas van Stappen, director of development for NextEra Energy Resources. “We are proud to have worked with Alliant Energy and the local community to bring this significant project to fruition. This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and creating sustainable value for future generations.”
According to the release, Pleasant Creek Solar’s construction was completed in two phases — the first 50 MW began operating in March 2024, and the remaining 150 MW was utilized in December 2024.
“Solar is one part of Alliant Energy’s balanced energy mix of renewables and traditional generation resources to safeguard against interruption, ensure reliability and elevate capacity for economic growth. Alliant Energy has added approximately 1,500 MW of utility-scale solar energy resources across Iowa and Wisconsin since 2022,” the release stated.
