**Alliant Energy to Borrow $5.1 Billion in the US**

The U.S. Department of Energy has finally approved a $5.1 billion loan for Alliant Energy. The funds will go toward increasing electricity generation and upgrading the grid in Iowa and Wisconsin.

The project includes new natural gas-fired power plants, battery storage systems, and upgrades to existing facilities. Once completed, the system will generate or store more than an additional 2.6 gigawatts of electricity. The Department estimates this is enough to power around 1.8 million homes.

The loan was originally approved by the Biden administration in January 2025, though at that time the amount was $3 billion. The program was primarily designed for clean energy projects, but natural gas-fired projects were later added to it as well.

Officials believe the project will make electricity supply more stable, though it will take time before consumers see lower prices.

Source: Reuters