MGE Wind Farms
MGE is continuing to build upon our record of increasing renewables as we work toward our goal of net-zero carbon electricity by 2050 to serve all customers. In early 2022, MGE obtained state regulatory approval to purchase part of the Red Barn Wind Farm. MGE will own 9.1 megawatts (MW) of the 92-MW wind farm under construction in the Towns of Wingville and Clifton in Grant County, Wis. The project is expected online in 2023. MGE’s share of the Red Barn Wind Farm will power about 4,000 households.
MGE's wind farms include:
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Saratoga
MGE's 66 MW wind farm near Saratoga, Iowa, is our largest wind farm. Its 33 wind turbines generate enough renewable energy to power about 47,000 households.
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Forward Energy Center
Forward Energy Center, owned by MGE, Alliant Energy and Wisconsin Public Service Corp, was built in 2008 in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties in Wisconsin by Invenergy Wind LLC. MGE receives approximately 18 MW of the 130 MW of electricity produced by this wind farm annually.
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Top of Iowa 3
MGE built the Top of Iowa 3 wind farm in Kensett, Iowa, in 2007. The 18 turbines cover more than 1,200 acres and are hosted by 10 land owners. More than three miles of road was constructed to accommodate the turbines. Top of Iowa 3 began commercial production of wind power in February of 2008 and produces enough energy to power about 12,000 households. The capacity is 29.7 MW and saves an estimated 75,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year.
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Rosiere
MGE built the Rosiere Wind Farm in 1999 in the townships of Lincoln and Red River in northwest Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. It was at the time the largest wind farm east of the Mississippi River. About 30 acres of land is leased from seven homeowners. The leased land includes 7.4 acres used for the foundations, transformers and access roads. Each of the 17 turbines can produce 660 kW to provide renewable, Wisconsin-based electricity. The Rosiere Wind Farm has 11.2 MW capacity and produces enough electricity to power 3,300 households annually. The average wind speed is 13 to 14 mph (at 110 feet above ground).
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Top of Iowa 2
Iberdrola Renewable Energies built the Top of Iowa 2 wind farm in Worth County, Iowa in 2007. This wind farm is located three miles from the Top of Iowa 3 farm and covers more than 6,000 acres of land. The 40 turbine wind farm produces 80 MW of electricity that is sold to MGE and WPPI Energy.