Wisconsin First Large-Scale Battery Storage Project Now Operating

Wisconsin's first large-scale energy storage project, the Paris Solar-Battery Park in Kenosha County, is now operational, combining a 200-megawatt solar installation with a 110-megawatt battery storage system. The battery facility, composed of approximately 12,000 lithium-ion batteries, can power over 130,000 homes for up to four hours by storing excess solar energy generated during the day and releasing it during nighttime or early morning hours. The project is majority-owned by We Energies, with Wisconsin Public Service and Madison Gas and Electric as co-owners, and was developed by Invenergy. Despite significant cost overruns, attributed to inflation and supply chain delays post-COVID-19, the utility companies emphasize the historic nature of the project and its role in providing reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy. The Paris Solar Park's nearly 50,000 solar panels track the sun to maximize energy production, supporting both immediate and long-term customer savings amid rising rates. This initiative reflects We Energies' broader commitment to an 'all of the above' energy strategy, including plans for new natural gas plants and the shutdown of older, less efficient power plants.