State Overview
The population of the “Badger State,” Wisconsin is approximately 5.90 million people. Wisconsin is the 20th most populated state in the United States.
In 2022, Wisconsin’s economy was ranked 21st in the United States in gross domestic product (GDP). The state’s economy is dependent on manufacturing, dairy, agriculture, paper, timber, and tourism industries.
Environmental Policies
In 1988, Wisconsin enacted a Renewable Portfolio Standard, which required all electric utilities to sell at least 10% of their power from renewable energy by 2015.
In 2019, Governor Tony Evers established the Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy and enacted programs for the state to achieve 100% carbon free electricity by 2050.
Power Generation Capabilities
In June 2023, utilities used natural gas (41.4%), coal (34.3%), nuclear energy (15.2%), and renewable energy (9.1%) to generate electricity in Wisconsin. Hydropower, wind, and biomass are the dominant types of renewable energy used to generate electricity in Wisconsin.
In June 2023, the average cost of residential electricity in Wisconsin was 17.06¢ per kWh, compared to the national average of 16,11¢ per kWh.
Recent renewable energy developments in Wisconsin include:
- 300 MW Solar + 165 MW Energy Storage Project – Wisconsin utility, WEC Energy is continuing work on the Koshkonong Solar Energy Center at a site 45 miles southeast of the state capital, Madison. The project is forecast to be commissioned by year-end 2024.
- 200 MW Solar + 110 MW Energy Storage Project – Illinois power company, Invenergy is continuing work on the Paris Solar Energy Center at a site 30 miles southwest of the city of Milwaukee. The project is forecast to be commissioned in 2024.
- 200 MW Solar Project – Florida utility, NextEra Energy is continuing work on the Grant County Solar project at a site 75 miles southwest of Madison. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by year-end 2023.
- 150 MW Solar Project – In December 2022, Missouri renewable energy company, Savion LLC commissioned the Wood County Solar project at a site 100 miles north of Madison.
- 150 MW Solar Project – Wisconsin utility, Alliant Energy is continuing work on the Orion River solar project at a site 40 miles north of the city of Milwaukee. The solar project is scheduled to be commissioned by year-end 2023.
- 100 MW Solar Project – In September 2021, NextEra Energy commissioned the Point Beach Energy Center at a site 100 north of Milwaukee.
- 99 MW Energy Storage Project – Alliant Energy is continuing work on the Edgewater battery energy storage system (BESS) at a site approximately 80 miles northeast of Madison.
- 75 MW Solar Project – In December 2022, Alliant Energy commissioned the Crawfish River Solar project at a site 30 miles east of Madison.
- 50 MW Solar Project – Alliant Energy is continuing work on the North Rock Solar project at a site 20 miles southeast of Madison. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by year-end 2023.
- 50 MW Solar Project – In August 2022, Alliant Energy commissioned the Bear Creek Solar project at a site 95 miles north of Madison.
- 50 MW Solar Project – Alliant Energy is continuing work on the Albany Solar project at a site 75 miles west of Madison. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by year-end 2024.
- 50 MW Solar Project – Alliant Energy is continuing work on the Beaver Dam Solar project at a site 45 miles northeast of Madison. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by year-end 2024.
- 50 MW Solar Project – Alliant Energy is continuing work on the Cassville Solar project at a site 70 miles west of Madison. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by year-end 2024.
- 50 MW Solar Project – Alliant Energy is continuing work on the Paddock Solar project at a site 30 miles southeast of Madison. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by year-end 2024.
- 50 MW Solar Project – Alliant Energy is continuing work on the Wautoma Solar project at a site 80 miles north of Madison. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by year-end 2024.
Conclusions
Wisconsin has no coal mines and no coal reserves. The coal used to fuel Wisconsin’s electric power plants is imported by rail from Wyoming and Pennsylvania.
In 2010, 64.8% of Wisconsin’s electricity was generated from coal-fueled power plants. In June 2023, 34.3% of the state’s electricity was generated from coal-fueled power plants. Why the decrease in the use of coal?
- Pollution – Coal ash, the product of coal burned in a power plant contains arsenic, mercury, and lead; which are toxic. In 2019, coal ash was documented to have leaked into the ground water around 241 coal-fired plants in America.
- Economics – The cost to generate power from coal is more than double the cost to generate power from renewables, like solar.
- Climate Change – Coal generates 40% to 45% more greenhouse gases than natural gas.
The Badger State is now giving coal the “cold shoulder” while moving toward a future of zero-carbon electricity.
Jack Kerfoot
Website – “Our Energy Conundrum”
www.jackkerfoot.com
Jack Kerfoot is a scientist, energy expert, and author of the book FUELING AMERICA, An Insider’s Journey and articles for The Hill, one of the largest independent political news sites in the United States. He has been interviewed on over 100 radio, podcast, and television stations from New York City to Los Angeles on numerous energy issues.