MGE to Add More Solar, Battery Storage with Columbia County Project
MGE received approval to purchase share of the High Noon Solar Energy Center.
In April, MGE received State regulatory approval to purchase solar and battery storage capacity from the High Noon Solar Energy Center. MGE will own 30 megawatts (MW) of solar and 16.5 MW of battery storage from the facility to be built in Columbia County.
The project features a 300-MW solar array and 165-MW battery energy storage system. MGE’s 10% share of the output will power about 9,000 households. The High Noon Solar Energy Center is expected to start serving customers in 2027.
Darien Solar Energy Center
Earlier this year, another large-scale solar project came online to serve MGE customers. The Darien Solar Energy Center in Rock and Walworth counties serves MGE customers with cost-effective clean energy.
MGE owns 25 MW of solar capacity from the 250-MW solar project. MGE also will own 7.5 MW of battery storage from the facility. The 75-MW battery storage installation is expected online in 2026.
Forward Wind Energy Center Repower Project
MGE and the co-owners of the Forward Wind Energy Center in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties are seeking approval to repower major components at the wind farm. The facility was built in 2008. The project involves replacing, refurbishing and upgrading equipment. It offers a cost-effective way for MGE to continue to deliver carbon-free wind energy to MGE customers.
The Forward Wind Energy Center consists of 86 turbines. MGE owns 18 MW of the 137-MW facility. If approved, the project is expected to be completed in 2027.
Working Toward Our Goals
These projects will help MGE achieve our science-based carbon reduction goals. By 2030, on behalf of all customers, MGE expects to deliver electricity with 80% fewer carbon emissions, and by 2050, we expect to deliver net-zero carbon electricity. MGE is already halfway to our 2030 goal to reduce carbon emissions by 80% compared to 2005 levels.
Growing our use of cost-effective, cleaner energy and working with customers to advance energy efficiency and the electrification of transportation are all key strategies for deep decarbonization.
published: May 30, 2025
