Western Wisconsin Clean Energy Projects Receive Federal Funds

Western Wisconsin projects seeking to produce more clean energy have received federal funding through the Rural Energy for America Program.

According to a United States Department of Agriculture press release, 42 projects in 27 counties across Wisconsin will receive a portion of over $14 million in grant funding. The goal of the funding is to expand access to clean energy systems and increase the availability of domestic biofuels.

The projects in Western Wisconsin will receive funding from the Rural Energy for America Program and Energy Efficiency Program.

Barron County will receive grant funding for two projects. Wohlk Farm Services in Almena will receive $217,551 in grant funding to install a more energy efficient grain dryer. Officials expect the upgrade to save over $55,000 per year and cut the farm’s energy use by roughly 60%. The Water Meister in Rice Lake will receive $42,682 to install a roof mount solar electric array. Officials expect that project will produce 100% of the energy needed for the company’s operations and save over $4,700 per year.

Farmhouse Madeline Island in Ashland County will receive a $50,348 grant to install a roof-mounted solar array. Officials expect that project to produce nearly 60% of the business’ energy needs and save over $12,000 per year.

Red Cedar Dentistry in Menomonie will receive $26,844 in grant funding to install a ground-mounted solar array. Officials expect that project to save over $3,700 per year and produce 100% of the company’s energy needs.

Two projects in Pierce County will receive grant funding through the programs. Falls Theatre in River Falls will receive $37,150 in grant funding to install a more energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Officials expect the project to save over $2,600 per year and produce nearly 40% of the company’s energy needs. Oxheart Farm in Hager City will also receive $19,557 in grant funding to install a solar electric array. That project is expected to produce about 96% of the company’s energy needs and save over $1,700 per year.

Glenwood City grain farmer Donald Cormican will also receive $29,420 to install a solar electric array. Officials expect that project to produce 91% of the farm’s energy needs and save nearly $2,700 in electrical costs.

Western Wisconsin has seen a strong push for more clean, renewable energy recently. XCel Energy is currently in the early stages of plans for a massive solar farm in St. Croix County amid community pushback. Officials with the company say the solar farm is meant to replace the energy production that will be lost with the closure of their coal-fueled power plant near Stillwater in 2028. The first federally-funded fast electric vehicle charging stations in the state also recently opened in Ashland, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie, with more facilities planned in the near future.