Solar Panels. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Approximately 250,000 homes across Wisconsin will be powered by five new, large-scale renewable energy projects, officials say.
Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies announced Monday plans to build nearly 800 megawatts of new solar, wind and battery storage around the state, providing enough energy to power about a quarter of a million homes.
The projects will add 500 megawatts of new solar power and 180 megawatts of wind power to the grid. Additionally, the projects will add 100 megawatts of new battery storage, which would be charged during the day. WPS says this offers customers with “sunshine after sunset.”
Union labor and workers from around Wisconsin will build the projects, which will be eligible for federal tax credits. According to a news release, these projects are part of the companies’ long-term plan to save customers more than $2 billion over the next two decades.
“These renewable energy projects are part of our commitment to build a bright, sustainable future and provide customers with affordable, reliable and clean energy,” Mike Hooper, president of WPS and We Energies, stated in the release. “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 proposed projects listed below would serve customers across Wisconsin.
- Dawn Harvest Solar Energy Center in Rock County
- Saratoga Solar Energy Center in Wood County
- Ursa Solar Park in Columbia County
- Badger Hollow Wind Farm in Iowa and Grant counties
- Whitetail Wind Farm in Grant County
If approved, the aforementioned facilities would be jointly owned by WPS, We Energies and Madison Gas & Electric.
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