Madison Gas and Electric to expand Badger Hollow Solar Farm

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) got the okay from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to move forward with plans to generate an additional 50 megawatts (MW) of power at the Badger Hollow Solar Farm.

The expansion is known as Badger Hollow II.

“The addition of this cost-effective, locally generated solar energy for all customers will build on the progress we’ve already made toward our goal of net-zero carbon electricity by 2050,” Jeff Keebler, chairman, president and CEO at MGE, said. “It also will help MGE manage long-term costs for our customers as we continue to grow our use of renewable energy and drive carbon out of our energy supply mix.”

Badger Hollow is located in Iowa County, near the Montfort and Cobb, about 12 miles west of Dodgeville. Chicago-based Invenergy is developing the 300-MW project. The second phase of the Badger Hollow Solar Farm is expected online next year.

MGE has a goal to have net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. To reach this goal, MGE is expanding its use of renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency to customers, and facilitating the electrification of transportation.

MGE generates and distributes electricity to 153,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 161,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties.