Project Spotlight: Alliant Energy's Efficient, Sustainable Generating Station

For more than a decade, the Marshalltown community supported efforts to build a new generating station in their city. On April 1, Alliant Energy’s Marshalltown Generating Station (MGS) went into service, powering 500,000 Iowa homes and businesses with electricity. The facility created around 800 jobs during construction and another 20 permanent jobs to run the generating station. In addition, nearly $50 million was spent locally by contractors and workers.

The $645 million investment to build MGS represents one of the largest projects in the history of Marshall County, and in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability was key — the generating station uses 90 percent less water than the 14 less efficient energy facilities it replaced. In addition, the generating station can adjust its output up and down quickly to better integrate solar and wind power into the electric supply. At 650 megawatts, the plant contains boilers that heat up water for steam to power electricity-producing generators. In addition, it is anticipated to be one of the most efficient natural gas-fueled plants in the country. Due to its sustainable features, the plant received the Envision Platinum award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, a first for an Iowa facility.

Learn more about recent DSM development projects and learn more about the Generating Station.