Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) and We Energies filed plans with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin this month to build five new large-scale renewable energy projects. In total, the projects would add 500 megawatts (MW) of new solar power and 180 MW of wind power to the grid. That is enough energy to power about 250,000 homes.
The projects also include 100 MW of new battery storage, which would be charged during the day and provide customers with “sunshine after sunset.”
The projects will be built in Wisconsin, using union labor and workers from across the state.
“These renewable energy projects are part of our commitment to build a bright, sustainable future and provide customers with affordable, reliable and clean energy,” said Mike Hooper, president — WPS and We Energies. “As we close our older, less-efficient fossil fuel plants, projects like these will help power the grid and make sure customers have the energy they depend on.”
The projects will be eligible for federal tax credits. They are part of the companies’ longer-range plan that is expected to save utility customers more than $2 billion over the next 20 years.
The proposed projects are the Dawn Harvest Solar Energy Center in Rock County, the Saratoga Solar Energy Center in Wood County, the Ursa Solar Park in Columbia County, the Badger Hollow Wind Farm in Iowa and Grant counties, and the Whitetail Wind Farm in Grant County.
If approved, the facilities would be jointly owned by WPS, We Energies and Madison Gas & Electric (MGE). The power produced would serve customers across the state.