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State regulators have approved the construction of the largest solar energy project in Wisconsin, the Vista Sands Solar Project. The project, which will be built on over 6,000 acres in Portage County, is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 200,000 homes. It will feature 1,300 megawatts of solar energy and 300 megawatts of battery storage, making it more than four times the size of the current largest solar project in the state.
The project, developed by Doral Renewables, is estimated to cost around $2 billion and is expected to begin construction in early 2026. While no electric utilities are currently attached to the project, the developers have had discussions with potential buyers. The project is expected to create 500 jobs during construction and 50 permanent jobs.
In addition to economic benefits, the Vista Sands project is also expected to have significant environmental benefits. It is estimated to offset over 1.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in its first year of operation. This is a significant step towards curbing Wisconsin’s carbon emissions and advancing state energy policy.
The project will also bring water benefits, such as reducing contamination in the region and boosting water quality. It will also result in over $6 million in annual utility aid payments to Portage County and the municipalities hosting the site.
The approval of the Vista Sands project has been met with praise from environmental groups, with Clean Wisconsin stating that it represents the biggest step towards curbing carbon emissions in the state’s history. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s renewable energy goals and bring economic benefits to the region.