Geronimo Power recently celebrated the progress of its Apple River Solar project with a community event titled “Solar Summer Social” in Polk County, Wisconsin. The 100-megawatt (MW) solar facility, situated within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market, is anticipated to commence operations later in 2025.
The event brought together local landowners, residents, project partners, and neighbors to shed light on the economic and social advantages the project will bring to the area, including increased tax revenues, job opportunities, and charitable contributions. Held shortly after the Summer Solstice, attendees enjoyed educational experiences, including a guided tour of the construction site, which allowed them to learn about the operation of large-scale solar energy systems. Representatives from Xcel Energy, the project’s power purchaser, and The Boldt Company, the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner, also attended the gathering. Both companies highlighted the significant impact that the Apple River project will have on the state’s energy transition and its benefits for local communities.
Jeff Ringblom, Chief Development Officer at Geronimo Power, expressed pride in the collaborative effort, stating, “Project host communities are the lifeblood of our projects, and I’m proud to be here today celebrating the Apple River Solar project with those who helped bring it to fruition. While we have a history of developing more than 150 MW of reliable energy across Wisconsin, we’re excited for this to be our first owned and operated project in the state. With more than $36 million expected to flow into the local and state communities from Apple River Solar, we firmly believe those dollars will result in meaningful, lasting positive impacts to Wisconsin residents and communities.”
Karl Hoesly, president of Xcel Energy-Wisconsin/Michigan, shared his enthusiasm for the project, noting, “We are excited to see this project begin, as the power Xcel Energy will purchase highlights our dedication to delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy to our customers.” Jason Fields, Project Executive at The Boldt Company, added, “Boldt and our subcontractors were proud to employ up to 150 skilled tradespeople including laborers, carpenters, operators, electricians, and iron workers throughout the year-long construction of this project. These union jobs offered competitive wages and strong benefits, supporting both the local community and workers across Wisconsin.”
In a significant philanthropic initiative announced earlier this year, Geronimo Power pledged to donate $500,000 in charitable funding over the project’s first 20 years of operation. This funding will directly support the Amery and Clayton School Districts. During the event, a representative from the Clayton School District accepted a commemorative check, symbolizing the future support the project will provide to local education.
The Apple River Solar project marks a substantial investment in renewable energy for Wisconsin and reflects Geronimo Power’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and long-term regional development.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/geronimo-power-hosts-community-celebration-for-apple-river-solar-project/
