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Porchlight Solar Project Environmental Assessment Application

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has initiated an environmental assessment application for the Porchlight Solar Project, a proposed 163.8 megawatt (MW) solar electric generating facility in Portage County, Wisconsin. The project, filed by Porchlight Solar Project, LLC (Porchlight Solar), involves the construction of a new utility-scale solar electric generating facility, a 50 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a project substation, and a 2.5-mile-long 138kV generator tie line. The project's environmental assessment aims to determine the potential impacts on the human environment and identify ways to mitigate or avoid them.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Porchlight Solar Project proposes a 163.8 MW solar electric generating facility, a 50 MW BESS, and other infrastructure on approximately 1,133 acres of land in Portage County, Wisconsin.
  • The project requires a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) pursuant to Wis. Stat. SSSS 196.02, 196.491 and Wis. Admin. Code PSC chs. 4 and 111.
  • The public scoping period for the environmental assessment garnered four public comments, raising concerns about agricultural land use, the project's proximity to the Buena Vista wildlife area, and potential impacts to nearby residents.
  • The PSC staff considered all comments received during the scoping period and updated the environmental assessment accordingly.
  • A preliminary determination was made that preparation of an EIS was not necessary, and the EA is being submitted as an exhibit in the technical hearing for the docket.

Statistics:

  • The proposed solar electric generating facility has a capacity of 163.8 MW AC power using photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
  • The project area encompasses approximately 1,133 acres of land in the Towns of Buena Vista and Pine Grove, Portage County, Wisconsin.
  • The BESS will have a capacity of 50 MW.
  • The 138kV generator tie line will be approximately 2.5 miles long.
  • Four public comments were received during the EA scoping period, with concerns about agricultural land use, the project's proximity to the Buena Vista wildlife area, and potential impacts to nearby residents.

Sources:

  • Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Docket 9829-CE-100
  • Wis. Admin. Code PSC chs. 4 and 111
  • Wis. Admin. Code PSC 4.10(3)

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