We are excited to announce that our newest energy resource, Point Beach Solar Energy Center, is now online and supplying affordable, renewable energy to our community. This 100-megawatt project delivers responsible energy to our customers – adding diversity to our local electric needs, while lowering costs over the long term. This project was completed in partnership with WPPI Energy, a not-for-profit wholesale energy provider, of which our utility is a member-owner.
The Point Beach Solar Energy Center spans 465 acres near Two Rivers, Wis., and is adjacent to the Point Beach Nuclear Plant, which also supplies power to our community. Construction for the Point Beach Solar Energy Center lasted 10 months and generated a significant economic boost to the region, creating 200 construction jobs and stimulating the purchase of regional goods and services.
"We look forward to supplying local residents and businesses with cost-effective, renewable energy produced by Point Beach Solar," said Rick Wicklund, Utility Manager. "We know our friends and neighbors in the area value affordable, responsible power, and this new project aligns perfectly with our goals."
With the addition of Point Beach Solar Energy Center, the WPPI Energy membership is on track for reducing carbon dioxide emissions approximately 45% by 2025 when compared to 2005.
The adjacent Point Beach Nuclear Plant has been producing reliable, zero-carbon energy since the early 1970s, and WPPI Energy already purchases a portion of the power that facility produces in order to serve member utilities.
“We are excited to see this project come online,” said Mike Peters, president and CEO of WPPI Energy. “Not only will Point Beach Solar provide cost-effective energy to our member communities, but it will also further diversify our portfolio and help us continue to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions associated with supplying power. It’s the type of project where everyone wins.”
The Point Beach Solar Energy Center features more than 315,000 photovoltaic solar panels that convert the sun's energy into electricity. The power purchase agreement is in effect for 20 years.