Wisconsin's First Large-Scale Solar Facility Producing Clean Energy

Rhea-AI Summary

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) has completed Wisconsin's first large-scale solar project, the 150-MW Two Creeks Solar facility, co-owned with Wisconsin Public Service (WPS). MGE operates 50 MW, while WPS operates 100 MW. This facility, featuring 500,000 solar panels across 800 acres, powers over 33,000 homes. MGE aims for net-zero carbon electricity by 2050, having announced a 40% carbon reduction target by 2030. The project supports MGE's strategy for deep decarbonization and renewable energy growth.

Positive

• Completion of Two Creeks Solar facility, enhancing MGE's renewable energy portfolio.
• The facility can power over 33,000 homes, indicating substantial capacity.
• MGE's commitment to net-zero carbon electricity by 2050 aligns with climate goals.

Negative

• None.

MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wisconsin's first large-scale solar project is complete and powering Madison-area households and businesses. Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) is a co-owner of the 150-megawatt (MW) Two Creeks Solar facility with Wisconsin Public Service (WPS). MGE owns 50 MW; WPS owns 100 MW.

"We are excited that Two Creeks Solar is now generating cost-effective, carbon-free energy for all our customers," said Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO. "Growing our use of renewable resources is a key strategy for achieving our goal of net-zero carbon electricity by the year 2050. The completion of Two Creeks Solar is an important step in our ongoing transition toward deep decarbonization."

Two Creeks Solar features 500,000 solar panels across 800 acres in Manitowoc County. It can power more than 33,000 homes.

NextEra Energy Resources LLC developed and built Two Creeks Solar in partnership with MGE and WPS. Construction began in August 2019. Many of the facility’s components, including its half-million panels, were installed this spring and summer. Two Creeks is located in the Town of Two Creeks and City of Two Rivers.

Badger Hollow Solar Farm

MGE also will own 100 MW of the 300-MW Badger Hollow Solar Farm in Iowa County, Wisconsin, about 12 miles west of Dodgeville. Construction continues on the 150-MW Phase I of the project. It is expected online in spring 2021.

MGE targeting net-zero carbon by 2050

Consistent with the latest climate science, MGE is targeting net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. The company continues to work toward carbon reductions of at least 40% by 2030, as announced in 2015 and consistent with the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change. If MGE can go further faster in reducing carbon emissions, it will. To reach its carbon-reduction goals, MGE is growing its use of renewable energy, engaging customers around energy efficiency and facilitating the electrification of transportation, all of which are key strategies identified by the United States for achieving deep decarbonization. Visit mge2050.com to learn more.

About MGE

MGE generates and distributes electricity to 155,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 163,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE's parent company is MGE Energy, Inc. The company's roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years.