MADISON — Wind turbines will be spinning at the first new utility-scale wind farm in Wisconsin since 2011.

The Public Service Commission approved the Badger Hollow Wind Energy Center on Thursday. The 118 MW project will build 19 wind turbines in Grant and Iowa counties.

The PSC said the project will have a minimal impact on land use, with most remaining in agricultural production. Only 30 acres will be removed from agriculture out of the 15,000 acres the project spans throughout the towns of Clifton, Eden, Linden, Mifflin and Wingville.

Badger Hollow will be one of the first wind farms in Wisconsin to implement a new technology called Aircraft Detection Lighting System Towers. The system activates the red blinking obstruction lights required by the Federal Aviation Administration only when it senses aircraft approaching instead of leaving the lights on indefinitely.

“That goes a long way in reducing aesthetic impacts and shows some thoughtful design,” Commissioner Marcus Hawkins said at Thursday’s vote.

The PSC noted how the design’s use of larger turbines spaced out across an expansive area helps minimize aesthetic concerns of crowding. Commissioners also noted public health benefits.

“The utilization of renweable energy comes with offsetting negative consequences of other energy forms,” Commissioner Hawkins said.

Clean Wisconsin advocated for the project and intervened against wind turbine misinformation amid pushback.

“The environmental, economic, and health benefits of this project will be felt for decades,” Rural Energy Campaign Manager Rick Coelho said. “The PSC’s decision means more economic opportunity and more financial resources for our farming families and communities hosting this project.”

According to the PSC, Wisconsin currently has over 479 utility-scale wind turbines.

Tags: energyGrant Countyiowa countyTown of CliftonTown of EdenTown of LindenTown of MifflinTown of Wingvillewind farmwind turbineWisconsinWisconsin Public Service Commission

MADISON — Wind turbines will be spinning at the first new utility-scale wind farm in Wisconsin since 2011.

The Public Service Commission approved the Badger Hollow Wind Energy Center on Thursday. The 118 MW project will build 19 wind turbines in Grant and Iowa counties.

The PSC said the project will have a minimal impact on land use, with most remaining in agricultural production. Only 30 acres will be removed from agriculture out of the 15,000 acres the project spans throughout the towns of Clifton, Eden, Linden, Mifflin and Wingville.

Badger Hollow will be one of the first wind farms in Wisconsin to implement a new technology called Aircraft Detection Lighting System Towers. The system activates the red blinking obstruction lights required by the Federal Aviation Administration only when it senses aircraft approaching instead of leaving the lights on indefinitely.

“That goes a long way in reducing aesthetic impacts and shows some thoughtful design,” Commissioner Marcus Hawkins said at Thursday’s vote.

The PSC noted how the design’s use of larger turbines spaced out across an expansive area helps minimize aesthetic concerns of crowding. Commissioners also noted public health benefits.

“The utilization of renweable energy comes with offsetting negative consequences of other energy forms,” Commissioner Hawkins said.

Clean Wisconsin advocated for the project and intervened against wind turbine misinformation amid pushback.

“The environmental, economic, and health benefits of this project will be felt for decades,” Rural Energy Campaign Manager Rick Coelho said. “The PSC’s decision means more economic opportunity and more financial resources for our farming families and communities hosting this project.”

According to the PSC, Wisconsin currently has over 479 utility-scale wind turbines.

Tags: energyGrant Countyiowa countyTown of CliftonTown of EdenTown of LindenTown of MifflinTown of Wingvillewind farmwind turbineWisconsinWisconsin Public Service Commission