Mercury Marine Partners With Alliant Energy to Build Solar Array in Eastern Fond du Lac County

Rhea-AI Summary

Mercury Marine, part of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC), announced a partnership with Alliant Energy to construct a 5-megawatt solar array in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. The project, known as the Ledgeview Solar Project, aims to enhance sustainability by offsetting 10% of Mercury's electricity use at its campus. It will feature over 12,000 solar panels, enough to power approximately 1,300 homes annually. Construction is slated for spring 2023, with operations starting in October 2023, reinforcing Mercury’s commitment to derive 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Positive

• Partnership with Alliant Energy to build a 5-megawatt solar array.
• Project will offset 10% of Mercury's electricity use.
• Construction expected to start in spring 2023 and operations in October 2023.
• Support for renewable energy goals, aiming for 50% renewable electricity by 2030.

Negative

• None.

FOND DU LAC, Wisc., July 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC), today announced a partnership with Alliant Energy to build a 5-megawatt, 32-acre solar array in eastern Fond du Lac County to advance the company’s sustainability initiatives and the region’s growing commitment to renewable energy.  The Ledgeview Solar Project, pending review and approval by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in the coming months, is the first to be developed under Alliant Energy’s Renewable Energy Partner program. The project will offset 10% of the electricity Mercury uses on its Fond du Lac campus.

“This solar project is good for Mercury, the Fond du Lac community and the environment,” said Chris Drees, Mercury Marine president. “Our investment in this solar infrastructure, combined with our other solar investments, will provide clean, renewable energy and propel us toward our goal to derive 50% of our electricity usage from renewable sources by the end of 2030.”

The project will include more than 12,000 solar panels generating enough electricity to power approximately 1,300 homes annually. The array will be located on privately-owned land in eastern Fond du Lac County, south of Highway 23 and just east of County Road UU.

Construction on the project is anticipated to start in spring 2023 with operation to begin in October 2023. The project is being developed and constructed by OneEnergy Renewables out of their regional office in Madison.

The Ledgeview Solar Project is the latest in a series of investments by Mercury to embrace emissions-free energy, both at home and across the globe.  

In January 2021, Mercury made fully operational a rooftop array of 320 photovoltaic solar panels at its Fond du Lac world headquarters. The array was Mercury’s first in the U.S. and will generate enough power to light a warehouse operation on the Fond du Lac campus for the next 30 years.

Mercury launched its first solar project in 2017 with the installation of a 2,000‑panel array at the company’s European headquarters in Petit Rechain, Belgium. That solar array, combined with improved insulation at the location, reduces the amount of electricity the facility draws from the grid by 33%, thus lowering the facility’s utilities costs and enabling substantial use of clean and
sustainable energy.

Alliant Energy’s Renewable Energy Partner program helps commercial and industrial customers achieve their sustainability goals. Mercury will directly benefit from renewable generation without having to commit resources to the planning, development and operation of the project.

“Alliant Energy is proud to assist Mercury Marine as it undertakes this transformative clean energy initiative,” said Barbara Tormaschy, senior vice president of sustainability and regulatory strategy for Alliant Energy. “The Renewable Energy Partner program ensures our commercial customers can offset their energy use with safe, reliable, and clean electricity for decades to come.”

About Mercury Marine
Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury Marine is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services, and parts for recreational, commercial, and government marine applications. The company empowers boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable, and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. Mercury’s industry‑leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines, Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages, Mercury propellers, Mercury inflatable boats, Mercury SmartCraft electronics, Land 'N' Sea marine parts distribution, and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. More information is available at www.MercuryMarine.com.

FAQ

What is the Ledgeview Solar Project announced by Mercury Marine?

The Ledgeview Solar Project is a partnership with Alliant Energy to create a 5-megawatt solar array that will offset 10% of Mercury Marine's electricity usage at its Fond du Lac campus.

When will construction of the Ledgeview Solar Project begin?

Construction of the Ledgeview Solar Project is anticipated to start in spring 2023.

What percentage of Mercury Marine's electricity will the solar project offset?

The project is expected to offset 10% of the electricity used by Mercury Marine at its Fond du Lac campus.

When is the Ledgeview Solar Project expected to begin operations?

The Ledgeview Solar Project is expected to begin operations in October 2023.

What are Mercury Marine's renewable energy goals?

Mercury Marine aims to derive 50% of its electricity usage from renewable sources by the end of 2030.