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'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'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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Together, we can reach our goal of a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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