More renewable energy projects approved for We Energies customers

A new round of large-scale renewable energy projects in Wisconsin is moving forward. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin unanimously approved We Energies’ purchase of more than 450 megawatts (MW) of new solar, wind and battery storage projects — enough to power more than 150,000 homes.

The approved projects are:

• Saratoga Solar Energy Center. A 150-MW solar and 50-MW battery storage facility located in Wood County. We Energies will own 120 MW of solar capacity and 40 MW of battery storage.
• Ursa Solar Park. A 200-MW solar facility located in Columbia County. We Energies will own 160 MW of solar capacity.
• Badger Hollow Wind Farm. A 112-MW wind facility located in Iowa and Grant counties. We Energies will own 89.6 MW of wind capacity.
• Whitetail Wind Farm. A 67-MW wind facility located in Grant County. We Energies will own 53.6 MW of wind capacity.

“Today’s decision is another key step in executing our “all of the above” energy strategy that will increase reliability, in both good weather and bad, with investments in a balanced mix of clean energy sources, new technology and stronger equipment to harden the grid,” said Mike Hooper, president — We Energies. “These new projects will serve customers year-round and are expected to provide customers millions of dollars in fuel cost and federal tax credit savings.”

We Energies is the majority owner of the projects. Wisconsin Public Service and Madison Gas and Electric are also co-owners.

The facilities are expected to start serving customers in 2027 and 2028.