What is the Columbia Energy Storage Project?

Utilizing cutting-edge technology designed by Energy Dome, the Columbia Energy Storage Project will boost grid stability, improve resilience and deliver enough electricity to power approximately 18,000 Wisconsin homes for 10 hours on a single charge.

What is Alliant Energy's Columbia Energy Storage Project?

Alliant Energy’s revolutionary Columbia Energy Storage Project, using Energy Dome’s safe, reliable CO2 battery, represents a significant advancement in energy storage while bolstering the power grid to benefit Wisconsin customers.

Where will a new energy storage system be built?

The energy storage system will be built south of Portage, Wisconsin in the town of Pacific and near Alliant Energy’s existing Columbia Energy Center. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by the end of 2027.

Are batteries the future of energy storage?

Developments in batteries and other energy storage technology have accelerated to a seemingly head-spinning pace recently — even for the scientists, investors, and business leaders at the forefront of the industry. After all, just two decades ago, batteries were widely believed to be destined for use only in small objects like laptops and watches.

Are EV batteries a good energy source?

Too often, conventional energy sources are called in to smooth out the demand imbalance. Batteries can help store energy for when it’s needed by utility systems — and EV batteries could serve as a readily available and widely distributed source of this storage.

Could a new battery be a reliable power supply?

While the team is currently focused on small, coin-sized batteries, their goal is to eventually scale up this technology to store large amounts of energy. If they are successful, these new batteries could provide a stable and reliable power supply from renewable sources, even during times of low sun or wind.