The first large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) in Wisconsin, the 110 MW Paris Solar-Battery Park, is now operational. This facility is integrated with 200 MW of solar power that began service in December 2024. The project is primarily owned by We Energies, with co-ownership shared by Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) and Madison Gas and Electric (MGE). Developed by independent power producer Invenergy, the Paris Solar-Battery Park is situated in Kenosha County.
Wisconsin’s utilities have collaborated with Invenergy on several occasions. Recently, MGE joined forces with WPS and We Energies to acquire 30 MW of solar capacity and 16.5 MW of battery storage from Invenergy’s High Noon Solar Energy Centre, which is expected to begin commercial operations in 2027. This agreement also includes We Energies and WPS taking ownership of the remaining 270 MW of solar and 148.5 MW of battery storage.
In 2023, MGE announced plans to purchase energy from Invenergy’s Koshkonong Solar Energy Centre in Dane County, marking yet another collaboration with WPS and We Energies. In October 2024, it was reported that MGE and two other utilities were seeking regulatory approval for two solar-plus-storage projects from Invenergy, part of a substantial $1.92 billion investment aimed at reducing carbon emissions statewide. This acquisition included MGE sharing 10 MW of BESS capacity with WPS and obtaining 5 MW of solar capacity.
In December 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office announced a conditional commitment for a loan of up to $2.5 billion to Wisconsin Electric Power Company (WEPCO), a subsidiary of We Energies. This funding is intended to support approximately 1,650 MW of utility-scale renewable energy generation and energy storage projects across the state.
Mike Hooper, president of We Energies, remarked on the significance of the Paris Solar-Battery Park: “Bringing Wisconsin’s first large-scale battery storage project online is historic and continues our commitment to provide customers reliable and affordable energy. Our ‘all of the above’ power generation approach ensures that customers can count on the energy they need, regardless of the weather or time of day.”
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