Wisconsin is emerging as a leader in the clean energy movement, driven by federal investments and ambitious local goals. With a target of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050, the state is undergoing a significant transformation in how it produces and consumes energy. Supported by federal programs and private investments in clean energy, Wisconsin is positioning itself as a key player in the national shift toward renewable energy.
A State on the Move
As of 2023, Wisconsin boasts over 1.5 gigawatts of solar, wind, and storage capacity, with another 1.7 gigawatts planned for the near future. For context, 40 watts powers a lightbulb, and a gigawatt is 1 billion watts, which is enough to power a mid-size U.S. city. These projects, bolstered by federal tax credits and incentives, are expected to reduce energy costs for consumers as the state moves away from fossil fuels. As part of this transition, utility-scale solar and wind projects are at the forefront of Wisconsin’s investment in renewable energy, with both energy costs and carbon emissions expected to drop dramatically over the next few decades.
The Inflation Reduction Act alone will bring an estimated $4 billion to invest in clean power generation and storage between now and 2030 in Wisconsin. This investment will play a vital role in helping Wisconsin meet its carbon-free goals, and create thousands of jobs across the state in the process. According to a report from the Climate Jobs National Resource Center, Wisconsin is home to 82 clean energy projects that are eligible for IRA incentives, representing a combined potential of 11,833 megawatts of power and 42,000 jobs.
Jobs and Economic Growth
The clean energy sector is already a significant contributor to Wisconsin’s economy, and the potential for future growth is immense. In 2021, over 141,000 people were employed in the state’s energy sector, with 60% of the workforce involved in wind and solar power generation in urban areas like Madison and Milwaukee. With the support of the IRA, Wisconsin’s clean energy projects will continue to create high-quality, union-backed jobs while expanding energy efficiency efforts across industries.
Wisconsin’s trade unions are playing a key role in this transition. In a historic agreement, the state’s four major utilities pledged to hire union workers for all solar, wind, and battery projects moving forward. This partnership represents a commitment by the clean energy industry to support fair wages and equitable labor practices.
Innovative Energy Solutions
Beyond large-scale renewable energy projects, Wisconsin is also embracing innovative energy storage solutions to enhance grid resilience. One such project is Alliant Energy’s Energy Dome, a carbon dioxide-filled “battery” that will replace the Columbia Energy Center, the state’s largest coal plant. This project marks the first commercial-scale application of Energy Dome technology, which stores energy by compressing carbon dioxide and releases it to generate electricity during peak demand. The Energy Dome is expected to help stabilize the grid as more renewable energy is integrated, ensuring reliable power for homes and businesses.
While the Energy Dome is still in its pilot phase, it represents a significant step toward more sustainable energy infrastructure in Wisconsin. If successful, the project could become a model for future renewable energy storage, allowing the state to harness and store solar and wind energy more effectively. Additionally, Alliant Energy plans to complete over 800 megawatts of solar power, solidifying its role as Wisconsin’s largest solar operator.
Rural and Underserved Communities
The clean energy transition is not just about technology; it’s about ensuring equitable access to the benefits of this transformation. The Biden Administration has prioritized underserved communities in Wisconsin through initiatives like the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the benefits from clean energy investments to disadvantaged areas. Federal funding through the Department of Energy has already provided over $115 million to state and local governments in Wisconsin for grid resilience, energy efficiency, and weatherization programs.
In Milwaukee, for example, a community-led weatherization project is helping low-income households reduce their energy bills and improve home comfort. Similarly, projects like the Legacy Solar Co-Op in Madison are working to expand access to community solar, providing household savings and energy independence for more residents.
A Clean Energy Future
Wisconsin’s clean energy successes result from powerful federal support and local leadership working hand in hand. From innovative projects like the Energy Dome to widespread investments in solar, wind, and energy efficiency, the state is taking bold steps toward a more sustainable and equitable energy future. As these initiatives unfold, Wisconsin is poised to be a model for how rural and urban communities can thrive in a clean energy economy, paving the way for generations to come.
Based on its track record over the past few years and its ability to attract federal investment, it appears that Wisconsin is well on its way to achieving its goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.
