Wisconsin Breaks Ground on 310 MW of Clean Energy Projects

Wisconsin is building a cleaner energy future, and the construction crews are already on site.

We Energies just broke ground on three renewable energy projects across southern Wisconsin. Together, they'll generate 310 megawatts of clean power and add 50 megawatts of battery storage to keep the lights on when the sun isn't shining and the wind isn't blowing.

The Darien Battery Storage facility in Walworth County started construction last week. The 75-megawatt battery system will work alongside a 250-megawatt solar farm that already went online this year, storing excess energy for when it's needed most.

In Rock County, the Dawn Harvest Solar and Battery Park combines 150 megawatts of solar panels with 50 megawatts of battery storage. Construction kicked off in June, bringing clean energy and jobs to the area.

The Badger Hollow Wind Energy Center rounds out the trio. The 110-megawatt wind farm spans Iowa and Grant counties, where turbines started going up in July.

All three projects earned approval from Wisconsin's Public Service Commission. We Energies is leading the effort, with Wisconsin Public Service and Madison Gas and Electric joining as co-owners.

"These renewable energy projects are part of our strategy to strengthen reliability through a balanced mix of Wisconsin-based energy sources," said Mike Hooper, president of We Energies. The company is investing in both renewables and modern natural gas plants to meet growing electricity demand.

The Ripple Effect

The impact reaches far beyond megawatts and batteries. Hundreds of workers are finding good-paying, union-first jobs building these facilities. Local communities will see consistent tax revenue for years to come.

Wisconsin is becoming a renewable energy powerhouse. We Energies now has more than 3,000 megawatts of solar and wind energy in operation, under construction, or awaiting approval. The company's battery storage portfolio has grown to 600 megawatts.

Invenergy, North America's largest privately held renewable energy developer, is building all three projects. The company has developed 17 projects across Wisconsin and currently has 1,500 megawatts of clean energy under construction statewide.

The timing couldn't be better. Electricity demand is climbing across the country as more homes electrify appliances and electric vehicles hit the roads. These projects will help Wisconsin meet that demand without burning more fossil fuels.

Three counties, three projects, and one clear message: Wisconsin's clean energy future is under construction right now.