Wind Energy
Wind power is a sustainable energy option. Generating electricity through wind turbines is better for the environment because it doesn't produce greenhouse gas emissions, use water or take up much land. MGE's wind farms also keep energy dollars in our region while creating an economic opportunity for host farmers and communities. In addition, wind power in our generation mix helps to reduce the impact of fluctuating prices of fuels used to generate electricity.
Under our commitment, by 2030, we expect to deliver every MGE electric customer electricity with 80% fewer carbon emissions as we work toward net-zero carbon electricity by 2050.
MGE has been involved for decades in building or operating a number of wind farms in Wisconsin and Iowa to help serve MGE customers.
MGE wind farms
MGE's newest wind farm, the Red Barn Wind Farm came online in early 2023. Red Barn is owned by MGE and Wisconsin Public Service, a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group, and is located in the towns of Wingville and Clifton in Grant County, Wisconsin.
- MGE owns 10% of the 92-MW facility, or 9.1 MW.
- 28 turbines located on about 10,000 acres.
- Generates enough energy to power about 50,000 households (MGE's share serves about 5,000 households).
MGE's largest wind farm, the Saratoga Wind Farm, is located about 200 miles west of Madison, near Saratoga, in Howard County, Iowa. Construction began in 2018, and the wind farm became operational in early 2019.
- 66-MW facility.
- 33 turbines located on a roughly 13-square-mile site.
- Generates enough energy to power about 47,000 households.
In 2018, MGE, Alliant Energy and Wisconsin Public Service bought the Forward Energy Center, which was built in 2008. It's located in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties in Wisconsin.
- MGE owns 12.8% of the 130-MW facility, or 18 MW.
- 86 turbines located on about 4,000 acres.
- MGE's ownership share generates enough energy to power about 5,000 households.
MGE built the Top of Iowa 3 wind farm about three miles west of the town of Kensett, Iowa, in 2007, and it began commercial operation in early 2008.
- 30-MW facility.
- 18 wind turbines located on about 1,300 acres.
- Generates enough energy to power about 12,000 households.
Iberdrola Renewable Energies built the Top of Iowa 2 wind farm in Worth County, Iowa, in 2007. This wind farm is located three miles from the Top of Iowa 3 wind farm.
- 80 MW of electricity that is sold to MGE and WPPI Energy.
- 40 wind turbines located on more than 6,000 acres.
MGE built the Rosiere Wind Farm, our first wind farm, in 1999 in the townships of Lincoln and Red River in northwest Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. At the time, it was the largest wind farm east of the Mississippi River.
- 11-MW facility.
- 17 wind turbines located on about 30 acres.
- Generates enough energy to power about 3,300 households.
Proposed MGE wind farms
MGE, in partnership with We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (both subsidiaries of WEC Energy Group), is seeking approval from State regulators to purchase a share of the energy generated by the Badger Hollow Wind Farm, a 112-MW project to be built in Iowa and Grant counties. MGE's ownership share would be 11.2 MW.
If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2025 with the facility serving customers by the end of 2027.
MGE, in partnership with We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (both subsidiaries of WEC Energy Group), is seeking approval from State regulators to purchase a share of the energy generated by the Whitetail Wind Farm, a 67-MW project to be built in Grant County. MGE's ownership share would be 6.7 MW.
If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2025 with the facility serving customers in 2027.
*Proposed for regulatory approval.
Net-Zero Carbon Electricity
Together, we can reach our goal of a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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