by Michael Vickerman | Aug 29, 2022 | Community, Events, Local Initiatives, Solar, Sustainability
Bear Creek Project Ushers in Gigawatt of Solar Capacity
Alliant Energy’s ambitious solar portfolio debuted on August 22 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its 50-megawatt (MW) Bear Creek project near Lone Rock in Richland County. Electricity produced from Bear Creek should equate to the annual consumption of approximately 13,000 residences.
Bear Creek will be followed by 11 more Alliant-owned solar projects totaling more than a gigawatt (1,000 MW), which are expected to go online over the next 18 months. Indeed, Alliant’s Wisconsin affiliate is on a trajectory to source 20% of its electricity from solar power by 2025. All 12 projects were approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC). (See table below for a complete list of Alliant’s solar projects.)
“This project is an incredible milestone for our customers,” said David de Leon, Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin President. “Guided by our purpose-driven strategy to serve customers and build stronger communities, this solar farm diversifies our energy portfolio, boosts American energy independence, and increases access to affordable electricity.”
The Bear Creek project drew praise from several project partners, including the Town of Buena Vista. “This project represents a significant, long-term investment in our community,” said Van Nelson, the town of Buena Vista clerk. “The township appreciated how well they were kept informed of progress throughout the project.”
With the completion of Bear Creek, Buena Vista and Richland County expect to reap a combined $200,000 annually from the state’s shared revenue program over 30 years. The project site covers 456 acres.
Construction of the Bear Creek solar farm began in July 2021. Burns & McDonnell was the lead contractor for the project and engaged operating engineers, carpenters, laborers, and electricians from several local union halls – increasing the positive economic impact and community benefit.
“When businesses partner with the skilled forces of Wisconsin’s unionized building trades, they know they’re going to get a safe, quality product that delivers superior value for everyone,” said Emily Pritzkow, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Building Trades Council. “By prioritizing using local unionized labor on renewable energy projects, Alliant Energy is supporting a strong workforce, keeping project dollars in the community and boosting our state economy.”
At the ribbon-cutting, Alliant officials drew attention to the safety record achieved during construction. According to Cameron Garner, construction project manager at Burns & McDonnell, not a single accident resulting in a loss of labor hours was recorded during the project’s construction. This is a remarkable achievement considering that 120,000 hours of labor were logged in completing the solar farm.
Alliant has scheduled its next ribbon-cutting ceremony in late September at its 150 MW Wood County solar farm near Nekoosa. A third ceremony will likely follow in November at the utility’s North Rock project north of Janesville.
Over the last three years, the PSC has approved 1,850 MW of utility-owned solar generating capacity in Wisconsin. Of that total, nearly 60% of that capacity will serve Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin customers. PSC Commissioner Tyler Huebner joined Alliant officials and other project partners in the ribbon-cutting.
|
Approved Alliant Energy solar projects
Docket Nos. 6680-CE-182 and 6680-CE-183
|
| Project name |
Location (county) |
Capacity (in MW) |
Start date |
| Albany |
Green |
50 |
2023 |
| Bear Creek |
Richland |
50 |
8/2022 |
| Beaver Dam |
Dodge |
50 |
2023 |
| Cassville |
Grant |
50 |
2023 |
| Crawfish River |
Jefferson |
75 |
12/2022 |
| Grant County |
Grant |
200 |
2024 |
| North Rock |
Rock |
50 |
11/2022 |
| Onion River |
Sheboygan |
150 |
2023 |
| Paddock |
Rock |
65 |
2023 |
| Springfield |
Dodge |
100 |
2023 |
| Wautoma |
Waushara |
99 |
2023 |
| Wood County |
Wood |
150 |
9/2022 |
| Total |
1,089 |
|
by RENEW Wisconsin | Aug 15, 2022 | Advocacy, Community, Electrification, Policy, Press Release, Renewables
After decades of inaction punctuated by occasional half-measures, Congress has passed monumental legislation committing the nation to pursue a clean energy transformation that will benefit all sectors of American society.
The enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act, which cleared the House of Representatives today, will signal to the rest of the world that the United States is “all in” on decarbonizing the domestic economy while greatly expanding investment and career opportunities in the clean energy arena.
Specifically, this legislation represents a 10-year commitment to scaling up the deployment of clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and electrified heating and cooling systems produced and delivered by U.S. companies.
With its emphasis on strengthening America’s productive capacity and workforce to deliver clean energy to our fellow citizens, this legislation is genuinely an industrial-strength response to the climate emergency enveloping our planet.
We at RENEW look forward to working collaboratively with federal and state agencies, businesses, farmers, local governments, and schools to help deliver the benefits of the clean energy transformation to every Wisconsinite.
by Jodi Jean Amble | Jul 21, 2022 | Community, RENEW Wisconsin
Thank you to all members who voted in our 2022 Board of Directors Election. RENEW Wisconsin’s Board of Directors plays an important role in setting the strategic vision for the organization. All dues-supporting members of RENEW Wisconsin were invited to vote in this year’s Board of Directors election.
The results of this year’s election include two incumbent board members, Mike Barnett and Jim Funk, and two newly elected board members, Lauren Reeg and Melissa Warning. All will soon begin a three-year term helping us advance renewable energy in Wisconsin.
MEET OUR NEWLY ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS
LAUREN REEG
RENEW Wisconsin is at the forefront of clean energy policy, and I would be proud to sit on the Board of directors. I have extensive experience with Wisconsin energy policy that could aid RENEW’s efforts.
Having lived in Wisconsin for over a decade, I received my Bachelor’s in engineering and Masters in energy policy from UW-Madison while interning at RENEW for two years. Currently, I work for RMI, a national clean energy non-profit focused on building decarbonization and electrification policy in the Midwest.
I’ll bring my knowledge of federal funding for equitable building retrofits, expertise in technical analysis related to cold climate heat pumps and renewable energy, and a national understanding of building policy efforts. These skills can elevate RENEW’s ability to engage in the buildings sector, which is ~17% of WI’s energy-related emissions. In addition to skills from my current role, I have experience in Wisconsin regulatory dockets and EV analysis and policy.
Finally, I am personally interested in sitting on the Board because I deeply care for RENEW. My internship with RENEW launched my career and cemented my passion for Midwest energy policy. This organization does exemplary advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and education that I would be proud to support.
MELISSA WARNING
I would like to become a Board of Director member at RENEW Wisconsin to help drive clean energy initiatives forward in our state. I am passionate about the impact renewable energy and electrification can and will have. There’s significant work to be done in our state to educate key stakeholders as to why the Badger State needs to continue innovating and investing in a future that is not dependent on fossil fuels.
Our future depends on our actions now, and collectively, we need to strategize what options are available today and how we knock down barriers to help build a stronger, cleaner, more vibrant Wisconsin.
As electrification becomes more prominent as an alternative energy source, we must ensure we have the resources to support those efforts. It’s up to us to push for cleaner, more reliable power for people and businesses across the state. Renewable energy options need to become a larger part of the conversation. Change is difficult but necessary as we move towards a decarbonized, decentralized, and digitized energy future.
I am currently the Sr. Marketing Strategy Manager for EnTech Solutions, a full-solution clean energy company, where I lead the strategic marketing initiatives for the business. I am passionate about brand building by understanding trends and authentically connecting with consumers through education and value creation. I have 12 years of experience in marketing strategy, content development, project management, and social media strategy. Before joining EnTech Solutions, I was with Harley-Davidson and Kimberly-Clark.
I hold a Communications/Public Relations degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. I reside in Oshkosh and enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, and traveling.
RENEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mike Barnett • Madison, WI
Mike Cornell • Hartland, WI
Beth Esser • Madison, WI
Jim Funk • Winneconne, WI
Samara Hamze • Stevens Point, WI
Alicia Leinberger • Viroqua, WI
Mariah Lynne • Albert Lea, MN
Jessica Niekrasz • Chicago, IL
Lauren Reeg • Boulder, CO
Amy Seeboth-Wilson • Platteville, WI
Josh Stolzenberg • Wausau, WI
Eric Udelhofen • Madison, WI
Ken Walz • Madison, WI
Melissa Warning • Oshkosh, WI
Niels Wolter • Madison, WI
Don Wichert (DIRECTOR EMERITUS/Lifetime/Non-voting) • Madison, WI
Thank you for participating in the election and using your voice to help shape RENEW’s future! And thank you to all candidates who offered their expertise and time to help our organization grow and thrive.
RENEW Wisconsin
RENEW Wisconsin holds elections for our Board of Directors every year. If you or someone you know would like to be considered for our next election, please complete the short form linked below. Racial diversity and inclusion are a priority in our organization, and we strongly encourage people of color and other underrepresented groups to join us in advancing renewable energy in Wisconsin.
by Francisco Sayu | Jul 20, 2022 | Community, Electric Vehicles
See how the state plans to spend these funds.
The Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) Plan is Wisconsin’s version of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan – a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) program signed by the Biden administration last year. The NEVI program provides funding to states to strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to facilitate access and reliability. The programs must also support the Justice40 Initiative, which states that at least forty percent of federal investments in climate and clean energy infrastructure benefits are distributed to disadvantaged communities.
The Wisconsin Electrification Initiative (WIEV) within the Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is ready to finalize its plan, which outlines how Wisconsin will spend the $78.65 Million of available funding to build, operate and maintain Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in the State. This funding is part of a $7.5 billion package to create a national network of 500,000 EV chargers by 2030.
The NEVI funding will be distributed over five years (2022 – 2026). The first round of funding will prioritize the development of EV charging stations every 50 miles along the State’s portions of the Interstate Highway System within one travel mile of the Interstate. The new charging stations must have at least four EV fast charging ports.
The NEVI program also allocates $2.5 billion for discretionary grants to support charging stations along Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) and community charging grants. The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation will provide additional guidance for discretionary grants in Fall 2022.
WisDOT has opened the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Plan for public input. Wisconsin residents are encouraged to send comments and feedback using this link by July 24, 2022.
Wisconsin’s EV infrastructure plan is thorough with a smart methodology to identify potential locations for charging stations. However, RENEW would like to see more emphasis on fulfilling the goals of the Justice40 initiative.
Wisconsin has an incredible opportunity to ensure that all communities can benefit from these federal infrastructure investments. RENEW recommends that the WEVI plan allocate adequate resources for outreach to disadvantaged communities. The plan should apportion a budget to hire community outreach professionals that have access to these communities and the organizations that serve them. Building these partnerships will ensure meaningful community engagement, especially concerning BIPOC, rural, limited English proficiency, and low-income communities.
While EVs have a higher upfront cost than internal combustion vehicles, owners can save a lot on fuel and maintenance costs. Still, it can be easy to discount the benefits or impact of EV charging infrastructure for non-EV owners in disadvantaged communities. However, with car manufacturers committing to electric transportation, including GM pledging to be all-electric by 2035 and Ford by 2030, EV charging infrastructure will soon be vital in all reaches of the state. Bringing a complete representation of voices to the table during the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the WEVI plan will ensure equitable participation and access to the benefits of EV infrastructure.
An investment in EV infrastructure is an investment in Wisconsin’s future, and we encourage everyone to engage in this planning process by sending comments and feedback to WisDOT.
by Sam Dunaiski | Jun 8, 2022 | Community, Solar, Solar for Good
MADISON, WI – The Solar for Good grant program has awarded over $450,000 in grants and solar panel donations to Wisconsin nonprofit organizations. Thirty-five nonprofits will install over 2,200 kilowatts of solar electricity, leading to more than $6 million in renewable energy investments in Wisconsin.
The following organizations have been offered Spring 2022 Solar for Good grants to install new solar energy systems:
Agrace HospiceCare – health care, Janesville
Albany Lions Club – community services, Albany
Aldo Leopold Foundation – conservation, Baraboo
Antigo Public Library – community services, Antigo
City of Altoona – affordable housing, Altoona
Couleecap – community services, Westby
Curative Connections – human services, Green Bay
Dane County Humane Society’s Wildlife Center – conservation, Madison
Edgerton Retirement Apartments – affordable housing, Edgerton
Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church – religious, Menomonee Falls
Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization (HALO) – human services, Racine
Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum – conservation, Kenosha
Hunger Task Force – meal distribution, West Milwaukee
Lawrence University – education, Baileys Harbor
Madison Area Cooperative Housing Alliance (MACHA) – affordable housing, Madison
McFarland Lutheran Church – religious, McFarland
Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA) – education, Milwaukee
Movin’ Out – affordable housing, Cottage Grove
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church – religious, Trempealeau
Northwest Side Community Development Corp – community development, Milwaukee
Outreach Community Health Center – health care, Milwaukee
Racine County Food Bank – meal distribution, Racine
Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter – animal shelter, Prairie du Chien
Rooted – agriculture, Madison
Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program – community services, Dodgeville
St. Mary Parish – religious, Omro
St. Robert Parish – religious, Shorewood
Tina’s K9 Rescue – animal shelter, Sparta
Trinity Episcopal Church – religious, Baraboo
Union Congregational United Church of Christ – religious, Green Bay
Vernon Economic Development Association – community services, Viroqua
Westcare Wisconsin – human services, Milwaukee
Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp – affordable housing, Madison
Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve – conservation, Two Rivers
*One organization has asked to remain anonymous at this time.
The grant recipients from the Spring 2022 round represent various sizes and types of nonprofits from across Wisconsin. Curative Connections, an organization that provides services to older adults with disabilities, will install a 280-kW ground-mounted solar array to offset nearly half of their electricity use. Over 80 solar panels will be installed on the rooftop of Outreach Community Health Center in Milwaukee to provide electricity for their medical, dental, and podiatry services. And Couleecap, an organization that works to fight poverty, will install two solar arrays at low-income housing facilities, directly offsetting the electricity use of their tenants.
“Without the Solar for Good Program, it would be difficult for low-income households to participate in solar programs that reduce energy costs and benefit their community,” says Hetti Brown, Executive Director of Couleecap. “The program is an important tool in our effort to reduce energy poverty for the rural residents of Wisconsin.”
Each organization agrees to highlight their solar project and provide education to their community about the benefits of solar energy as a requirement of their grant award.
“There are no publicly available solar installations within Langlade County, and we can offer tours for school children and the public,” said Dominic Frandrup, Director of the Antigo Public Library. “The long-term vision of the library is to also offer EV charging for downtown revitalization and eventually have an EV bookmobile to replace our gasoline van.
The 35 nonprofits are a part of Solar for Good’s 10th round of funding. The program has offered solar grants to 152 Wisconsin-based nonprofits since it began in 2017. Once projects are complete and energized, Solar for Good grant recipients will add over 7.3 megawatts of renewable energy to Wisconsin’s electric grid, providing enough electricity to power approximately 1,400 Wisconsin households.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
About Solar for Good RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good initiative fosters the expansion of solar power among mission-based nonprofits and houses of worship in Wisconsin. Through a generous partnership with Couillard Solar Foundation, RENEW Wisconsin awards grants and solar panels to nonprofit organizations, helping them switch to clean, renewable, solar energy.
About Couillard Solar Foundation The Couillard Solar Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit and our mission is to further the urgent path to decarbonization for Wisconsin, and create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. We help schools and nonprofits gain vital access to solar power, by providing solar panels, programs and education through the Solar for Good and Solar on Schools grant programs. For more information please visit www.CouillardSolarFoundation.org or follow on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.
by RENEW Wisconsin | Jun 7, 2022 | Community, Electric Vehicles, RENEW Wisconsin
On Monday, May 30th, RENEW Wisconsin was honored to be able to participate in the Monona (WI) Memorial Day parade. Emerging Technology Director Francisco Sayu and Distributed Resources Director Sam Dunaiski were in attendance with their family members and a few large bags of candy.
The parade offered staff members a chance to get out and meet with members of the community and honor those Americans who gave their lives for their country.
“The parade was a good reminder of the sacrifices made to protect our people and our collective capacity for accomplishing great things,” said Sayu. “A simple – but meaningful – example of our ability to come together to celebrate our progress and envision a bright future – despite our differences.”
Friend of the organization, Geoff Hoffman, owner of Hoffman Manufacturing, offered his custom-redesigned, all-electric DeLorean to use as the RENEW vehicle for the parade. The car was an instant hit with many parade-goers, even before many realized it was an electric vehicle (EV).
“It was great to attend the parade again after a two-year COVID hiatus,” stated Hoffman. “This event is all about honoring the folks that have served and sacrificed for us.”
RENEW staff answered dozens of questions from the public about EVs and how using renewable energy for EV charging could help us achieve deep decarbonization of our transportation sector. More importantly, the parade offered an opportunity for staff to illustrate the benefits of a decarbonized economy for Wisconsinites.
“We need more opportunities to find common ground,” continued Sayu. “I enjoyed seeing so many different families coming together to share this experience.”
RENEW staff had a fantastic time at the parade and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate. We hope we opened a few minds to renewable energy and electric vehicles, and we had a great time doing it!
