Geronimo Power Breaks Ground on 250-MW Portage Solar Project in Wisconsin
Geronimo Power, formerly National Grid Renewables, has begun construction on its 250-megawatt (MW) Portage Solar Project in Portage County, Wisconsin, marking a significant step in the state’s renewable energy expansion. The project, part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market, follows the recent start of construction on Geronimo’s 100-MW Apple River Solar project in Polk County, reinforcing the company’s commitment to clean energy and economic development in the Badger State.
The Portage Solar Project is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, with Geronimo projecting more than $73 million in direct economic impact over its first 20 years of operation. This includes $24 million in new tax revenue for Portage County and local townships, alongside job creation and increased local spending. Combined with the Apple River project, Geronimo’s initiatives are anticipated to contribute over $100 million to Wisconsin’s economy. “The true value of renewable energy isn’t in the power it provides to the local grid,” said Joe Ibrahim, Geronimo Power’s vice president of construction. “It’s about the immensely positive impact to local economies in the form of new revenue streams and job creation.”
The project will create more than 300 construction jobs, with Geronimo prioritizing local Wisconsin craft labor to fill these roles. The company has partnered with Burns & McDonnell, an engineering, procurement, and construction firm, for its first collaboration on a solar power project. Leslie M. Duke, chair and CEO of Burns & McDonnell, highlighted the project’s alignment with growing energy demands, particularly from data centers. “As demand for data centers continues to grow, so does the need for reliable, renewable energy,” Duke said. “We are proud to support Geronimo Power in the buildout of the Portage site.”
Beyond economic contributions, Geronimo has pledged $1.25 million to local charities and organizations over the project’s first 20 years through a dedicated charitable fund. This initiative underscores the company’s farmer-founded, community-focused ethos, aiming to foster long-term partnerships in project areas.
The Portage Solar Project comes at a time when renewable energy is gaining traction across the Midwest, driven by falling costs and supportive policies. According to Reuters, U.S. solar capacity is expected to grow significantly through 2025, with projects like Portage helping meet rising electricity demands from data centers and electrification trends. However, challenges remain, as Inside Climate News reported that MISO’s grid faces delays due to interconnection backlogs and costly transmission upgrades, which have stalled some renewable projects in the region.
Geronimo’s efforts align with broader clean energy goals. The company, which has developed over 2,400 MW of wind and solar projects nationwide, is leveraging a power purchase agreement (PPA) to ensure the Portage project’s output supports Wisconsin’s clean energy transition. With the state aiming to reduce carbon emissions, projects like Portage and Apple River are critical to meeting those targets while revitalizing rural economies.
As construction progresses, the Portage Solar Project is poised to deliver clean energy, economic growth, and community support, solidifying Wisconsin’s role in the nation’s renewable energy landscape.
By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com
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