Summer 2024
By 2030, MGE expects to deliver every MGE electric customer electricity with 80% fewer carbon emissions (based on 2005 levels). Growing our use of cost-effective renewable energy is one of our tools for achieving our carbon reduction goals, based on climate science. Here's a look at some of our upcoming and proposed projects.
In spring, MGE filed for State regulatory approval to build Sunnyside Solar Energy Center, a 20-megawatt (MW) solar array and 40-MW battery storage system in Fitchburg. If approved, the project will provide locally generated solar energy and battery storage capacity to MGE's distribution system.
MGE's 6-MW Strix Solar project is already under construction in Fitchburg. One-third of the project, which is expected online by the end of this year, is expected to serve the company's proposed Shared Solar II program. This new option is based on MGE's original and fully subscribed community solar program, Shared Solar. If approved, Shared Solar II would offer participants the option to pay a minimal up-front fee to subscribe to receive energy from the Strix array for six years.
MGE residential and small business electric customers who choose to participate would receive carbon-free energy for up to 50% of their annual consumption and would lock in their energy rate for the six-year term of the agreement.
Near the Strix Solar project is MGE's Tyto Solar, which came online in early 2024 and is connected to our distribution grid serving MGE customers.
MGE expects two other solar projects to come online this year. The company will own a 10% share of each when completed:
Paris Solar-Battery Park: MGE will own 20 MW of solar energy and 11 MW of battery storage from the 200-MW solar and 110-MW battery storage facility under construction in Kenosha County. The battery storage is expected online in 2025.
Darien Solar Energy Center: MGE will own 25 MW of solar energy from the 250-MW solar facility under construction in Rock and Walworth counties.
In early February, MGE filed an application with State regulators to purchase a share of the 300-MW High Noon Solar Energy Center to be located in Columbia County. If the purchase is approved, MGE will own 30 MW of solar. The High Noon Solar Energy Center is expected to start serving customers by the end of 2026.
