Construction on the Whispering Willow North Battery Energy Storage System” (BESS) project in Franklin County, Iowa, is underway. According to Alliant Energy, installation of the electrical conduits and concrete foundations is underway for the 75-MW BESS. This critical first step is required to safely interconnect and then operate the BESS for about 20 years.
“Battery storage systems are essential to meeting growing energy demand, boosting the reliability of the grid,” said Dave Herkert, AVP of Strategic Projects at Alliant Energy. “By storing excess energy and releasing it to the grid during times of need, battery storage plays a critical part of our long-term plan to expand capacity and maintain reliability while keeping customer bills as low as possible.”
The project, located at the intersection of Eagle Avenue and 170th Street in Latimer within Franklin County, will be constructed on a portion of a site that’s just over 9 acres, just south of Alliant Energy's existing substation. Construction involves civil preparation of the site, installation of equipment foundations, battery containers, power conversion systems, and related equipment, wiring, and conduit to support their function. Auxiliary transformers, switchboards, light poles and perimeter fencing will also be installed before the BESS is placed into operation in late 2026.
