US-based utility company WEC Energy Group has announced construction of a 310MW solar and battery storage project in Wisconsin.
The company plans to build the Paris Solar-Battery Park in Kenosha County. The proposed facility would include a 200MW solar farm and a 110MW battery storage facility, which would become one of the largest facilities of its kind in the state.
Construction works would begin next year, with the project coming online in 2023. The project will be developed by Invenergy.
WEC Energy Group has filed a proposal for the project with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
If approved, We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service, the utility companies of WEC Energy, will own 90% of the project. Madison Gas and Electric will take ownership of the remaining 10% stake.
We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service president Tom Metcalfe said: “This project is another concrete example of our commitment to build a bright, sustainable future.
“As the largest renewable energy investor in the state, we know the importance of clean energy. Projects like this maintain reliability, deliver significant savings to customers and support the goals of the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change.”
Energy generated by the solar farm would power 60,000 homes in the region.
The Paris Solar-Battery Park proposal is part of WEC Energy’s plan to invest $2bn in solar, wind, and battery storage projects by 2025. Additionally, by constructing renewable projects, the company aims to reduce 70% of its carbon emissions by 2030.
The company’s longer-term plan would save utility customers more than $1bn over the next 20 years.
