Engineering consulting firm Burns & McDonnell has completed the construction of two large-scale solar projects in Iowa, designed to provide power to Alliant Energy, the state's utility.

The projects include the 150 MW Wever solar farm in Lee County and the 50 MW Creston solar facility in Union County. Together, they are expected to power approximately 40,000 homes annually, contributing significantly to Iowa’s solar capacity of over 700 MW, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

The Wever project, located on 900 acres, features two solar arrays separated by four miles, requiring intricate electrical integration. Special precautions were taken due to the project's location in a flood plain, with advanced drain tiles implemented to ensure flood resilience.

The Creston project faced challenges due to uneven terrain and the risk of erosion near the Platte River. Burns & McDonnell employed advanced erosion control methods to stabilize the site.

A large number of workers from local unions were involved in the projects, with on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs advancing the state's solar workforce. The firm served as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, ensuring compliance with all regulations, safety protocols, and optimized schedules.

"These projects showcase the value of our integrated EPC approach, from engineering to construction," said Chad Cotter, vice president of solar at Burns & McDonnell.

Burns & McDonnell also contributed to local communities by raising $30,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa and organizing food and toy drives.