First phase of Badger Hollow Solar Farm in Wisconsin now operational
The first phase of the Badger Hollow Solar Farm in Wisconsin is now operational, according to Madison Gas and Electric (MGE).
The Badger Hollow Solar Farm is located near the communities of Montfort and Cobb in Iowa County, Wisconsin. MGE owns 50 MW of Phase I, while the Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) owns the remaining 100 MW.
The second phase of construction, which will add another 150-MW of energy, is underway. MGE will own 50 MW of Phase II, and WPS will own 100 MW.
MGE also marked the first anniversary this week of its Two Creeks Solar farm in Manitowoc County in the town of Two Creeks and the city of Two Rivers. This 150-MW array came online in November 2020. MGE owns 50 MW, and WPS owns 100 MW.
“We are excited to have the first phase of the Badger Hollow Solar Farm in service and delivering carbon-free, cost-effective electricity to our customers for decades to come,” Jeff Keebler, MGE chairman, president, and CEO, said. “This is a great addition to our generation mix, along with the Two Creeks Solar project. Both of these major solar facilities will play a key role in continuing to reduce our carbon emissions, helping us achieve our sustainable energy goals and achieving net-zero carbon electricity.”
MGE has reduced its carbon emissions by 30 percent since 2005 and expects to achieve a 65 percent reduction in carbon reductions by 2030. It has a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By 2024, it plans to add nearly 400 megawatts (MW) of wind, solar, and battery storage.
MGE provides electricity to 157,000 customers in Dane County, Wisconsin, and purchases and distributes natural gas to 166,000 customers in seven south‐central and western Wisconsin counties.
