Large-scale Darien solar project is online; battery storage expected in 2026.
MADISON, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) has announced the 250-megawatt (MW) Darien solar project in Rock and Walworth counties is operational, serving MGE electric customers with cost-effective, carbon-free energy. MGE owns 25 MW of solar capacity from the Darien Solar Energy Center. MGE also will own 7.5 MW of battery storage from the facility. The 75 MW of battery storage is expected online in 2026.
“Carbon is our target, and the Darien Solar Energy Center is another important step as we continue our progress toward achieving our science-based carbon reduction goals,” said Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO. “MGE’s investments to enable our continued transition toward deep decarbonization of our energy supply also serve to ensure that all our customers share in the economic and environmental benefits of our more sustainable energy future.”
Located on about 2,000 acres in the town of Bradford in Rock County and the town of Darien in Walworth County, the Darien Solar Energy Center is expected to generate enough clean energy to power about 75,000 households each year. MGE’s share of the output will power about 7,500 households annually.
We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), subsidiaries of WEC Energy Group, own the remaining 225 MW of solar output and 67.5 MW of battery storage from the project. The facility was developed by U.S.-based Invenergy LLC.
Working toward 80% reduced carbon emissions by 2030
Carbon is our target. MGE is working to achieve deep decarbonization, consistent with global climate science, as quickly, responsibly and cost-effectively as we can. By 2030, on behalf of all customers, MGE expects to deliver electricity with 80% fewer carbon emissions, and by 2050, we expect to deliver net-zero carbon electricity. MGE already is halfway to its 2030 goal to reduce carbon emissions by 80% compared to 2005 levels.
Growing our use of cost-effective, cleaner energy and working with customers to advance energy efficiency and the electrification of transportation are all key strategies for achieving targeted carbon reductions consistent with global climate science. Learn more about MGE’s other solar projects.
About MGE
MGE generates and distributes electricity to 167,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 178,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE’s parent company is MGE Energy, Inc. The company’s roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years.
Contacts
Steve Schultz
Corporate Communications Manager
608-252-7219 | [email protected]
