Alliant Energy plans to eliminate coal for energy by 2050

MADISON — A Madison-based utility says it plans to stop burning coal to generate electricity by 2050 and will reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by then.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports that Alliant Energy says it plans to double the use of renewable energy sources by 2030, from the current 16 percent to 33 percent of its energy mix. Coal currently fuels 33 percent of the utility's power supply.

Alliant spokesman Scott Reigstad says most of the change will be to wind energy.

The plan is outlined in Alliant's corporate sustainability report, which also says that by 2024, coal reliance will be cut to 23 percent of the utility's fuel and eliminated as a fuel source by 2050.

The utility serves customers in parts of Wisconsin and Iowa.