Wisconsin regulators approved Invenergy to develop a 200-megawatt solar project, with an additional battery storage capacity of 50 MW, that would be first of its class in the nation. Paris Solar project will be developed in Kenosha County in the city of Paris.
Last Thursday, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin voted unanimously to authorize the construction of the project, as it received widespread support from the public, said PSC Chair, Rebecca Valcq.
As reported by Wisconsin State Journal, PSC approved the project as a merchant plant, which means that the costs won’t be passed to utility ratepayers. To what Invenergy said it is looking for a buyer.
Construction is expected to begin in 2021’s first quarter. And to be fully operative by 2022. This is not the only solar project of Invenergy in U.S. soil. It’s also developing a 300-MW solar farm in Iowa county.
As for the Paris farm, it would occupy about 1,500 acres of the Paris town in Kenosha county, with an additional 1,200 acres reserved for further development.
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Solar would help building a healthier Wisconsin
According to state’s local media, under state law, the project would generate profits of around $800,000 for local tax revenue; which would be shared between Paris town and Kenosha county.
On top of this, Invenergy would include a potential 50-MW battery storage system, that would be the largest currently developed in the nation, according to Energy Information Administration’s data. This project only has conditional approval from PSC, as a concept.
The Commission asked the company for the engineering plans to review them, before granting the green light for its construction.
“It’s difficult for us to say OK if we don’t know what it’s going to look like, as for the concept, I am 100% behind it,” said commissioner Ellen Nowak.
More than a dozen healthcare providers in the state supported the Paris Solar Farm; even issued a letter, signed by the American Lung Association and Wisconsin Asthma Coalition, saying; “this solar farm will help reduce the disease burden children and adults in Wisconsin; as a result of burning fossil fuels and will help us build a healthier Wisconsin.”
