The state’s first large-scale energy storage project — the Paris Solar-Battery Park in Kenosha County — is now powering the energy grid with “sunshine after sunset.”
The 110-megawatt (MW) battery portion of the Paris Solar-Battery Park went online this month. The 200-MW solar portion of the project went into service in December.
The storage facility is made up of batteries capable of powering more than 130,000 homes for four hours. On sunny days, the batteries store excess power and release it at night or in the early morning when the sun is not shining.
“Bringing Wisconsin’s first large-scale battery storage project online is historic and continues our commitment to provide customers reliable and affordable energy,” said Mike Hooper, president — Wisconsin Public Service (WPS). “Our ‘all of the above’ power generation approach means customers can count on the energy they need, no matter the weather or the time of day.”
We Energies is the majority owner of the project. WPS and Madison Gas and Electric are also co-owners.
The project was developed by U.S.-based Invenergy, a leading global developer, owner, and operator of sustainable energy solutions.