ST. CROIX COUNTY, Wis. — A massive solar farm is in the works for western Wisconsin.
Xcel Energy is planning to lease 5,000 acres of private land in St. Croix County, spread out over a 30,000- to 40,000-acre area.
“I’m all for them if they can stand on their own economic merit,” said Thomas Brunshidle, who lives in Hammond.
Brunshidle and many of his neighbors have questions about the project, so Xcel officials held a virtual informational session Monday.
An online petition opposing the project has more than 3,500 signatures.
Xcel says the project is intended to replace the energy that will be lost when its coal-fueled power plant near Stillwater closes in 2028.
Just like the plant, the solar will serve customers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Wisconsin’s Public Services Commission will review Xcel’s plans, looking at environmental and community impacts.
Approval likely wouldn’t happen until 2026.
If it is approved,…
