Dear KEEP Community,
In 2021, only 11.5% of Wisconsin’s electricity was generated by renewable energy (hydro, wind, solar, etc.). However, the badger state is at the beginning of a massive transition for how we generate electricity! All of Wisconsin’s investor-owned utilities have set 2050 goals to achieve net zero emissions for their electricity generation. Achieving that goal means implementing both large-scale and distributed renewable energy generation for all sectors of Wisconsin’s economy. Read and share the story of We Energies largest solar project. |
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Sunshine of the times: WEC Energy Group announces
Wisconsin solar energy milestones
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WEC Energy Group, the parent company of We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), is celebrating significant solar energy milestones as the state’s first large-scale solar facility, Two Creeks Solar Park, marks one year in service with some impressive statistics. |
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Since November 2020, the 150-megawatt (MW) Two Creeks Solar Park has produced enough energy to:
• Power more than 64 million smartphones for a year.
• Run more than 515,000 refrigerators for a year.
• Power more than 2,500 home games at Lambeau Field.
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Through several inches of snow, bitterly cold temperatures, humid summer days and damaging thunderstorms, Two Creeks Solar Park reliably serves homes and businesses throughout the year. |
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Shining bright with innovative technology
While Two Creeks Solar Park marks one year of providing power, another large renewable energy park is now also shining brightly. Phase one of the Badger Hollow Solar Park came online in December 2021. The 500,000 solar panels are powering 45,000 homes. The solar park features state-of-the-art panels that capture solar energy on both sides, as well as a tracking system that rotates the panels to follow the path of the sun.
The second phase of the Badger Hollow Solar Park, which features another 500,000 panels, is currently under construction and is expected to be complete in 2023.
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Building a bright, sustainable future through clean energy
Both Two Creeks Solar Park and Badger Hollow Solar Park are important components of WEC Energy Group’s focus on reducing carbon emissions. WEC Energy Group’s goal is to reduce carbon emissions 80% by the end of 2030 and to make its electric generation fleet net carbon neutral by 2050. The company also has announced plans to transition away from coal as a fuel source by 2035.
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K-12 Resources from We Energies |
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Energy Educator of the Year Awards 2022
Now Accepting Nominations
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Each year, the Energy Educator of the Year Awards recognizes and rewards exemplary educators who have made energy education a priority in their teaching and outreach initiatives, serving as role models and empowering students, teachers and community members to adopt energy-saving behaviors and participate in energy solutions.
Nominate yourself or others now through April 10.
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Solar Energy Potential: Dashboard Technology as a Teaching Tool for Inquiry Online Module |
KEEP's solar dashboard-based inquiry activities are designed for exploration of geographical and seasonal differences in solar panel production. Whether or not your school has a solar array, solar PV generation dashboards are a powerful way to bring the topic of renewable energy to life in the classroom. Discover the benefits of using solar dashboards, electricity generation data, and pre-made online maps to connect concepts of spatial thinking, scientific inquiry, and data literacy. Recommended for 5th-12th grade educators. |
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Have questions or need additional resources? Contact us at keep@uwsp.edu. We are here to support educators and students with energy and STEM opportunities. |
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We Energies publishes a newsletter with information about renewable energy and energy efficiency. Learn how you can save energy and make a difference for the environment. Subscribe to their newsletter below. |
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The KEEP program is funded with generous support by: Alliant Energy, Madison Gas and Electric, We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, WPPI Energy, and Xcel Energy. |
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