On-site construction of the 250-megawatt Portage Solar Project in Portage County, Wisconsin, has begun. Project development is being handled by Geronimo Power and will be selling into the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market.
The project is the first collaboration between Geronimo Power and engineering, procurement, and construction firm Burns & McDonnell.
According to the developer, the project is expected to generate more than 300 construction jobs. Geronimo will be using all its employees through union labor based in Wisconsin.
A previously signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is already in place for the Portage Solar Project.
Joe Ibrahim, Vice President of Construction at Geronimo Power, pointed to the bigger picture impact of the project. The actual worth of renewable energy is not the energy it contributes to the local grid,” he added. “It’s the vastly positive impact on local economies as a result of new revenue and jobs. We anticipate adding over $100 million statewide from the addition of Portage Solar to our Wisconsin portfolio – a major milestone for us and a huge win for our project communities.”.
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Economic Impact
The project is projected to generate more than $73 million in direct economic benefit in its initial 20 years. Its influence will be through new tax collections, employment, other local spending, and charitable gifts. Of that total, close to $24 million will go to local governments in the form of new tax collections.
Linking with gains from Apple River Geronimo’s development, the builder expects to bring more than $100 million in economic benefit to Wisconsin.
Leslie M. Duke, chair and CEO of Burns & McDonnell, stressed the importance of clean energy infrastructure in the economy today. “With growing demand for data centers, so does the demand for reliable, renewable energy,” Duke continued. “We’re pleased to help Geronimo Power with the Portage site development. With union halls and contractors nearby, we’re helping support the labor force and creating a stronger community while building.”
Beyond economic and energy impacts, the Portage Solar Project will also support community initiatives. Geronimo has committed to contributing roughly $1.25 million to local charities over the next two decades. The funds will be distributed through a dedicated charitable fund specific to the Portage project. This initiative reflects Geronimo Power’s approach to long-term community partnership and responsible development.
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Construction Begins on Portage Solar Project: Factsheet
Project Overview
Project Name: Portage Solar Project
Location: Portage County, Wisconsin
Capacity: 250 megawatts
Status: Construction officially begun
Market: Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)
Key Partners
Developer: Geronimo Power
EPC Contractor: Burns & McDonnell (first collaboration with Geronimo Power)
Power Purchase Agreement: Previously announced PPA in place
Construction: Burns & McDonnell.
Jobs
Construction Jobs: 300+ positions expected
Labor Strategy: All workers to be hired through Wisconsin-based union labor
Community Focus: Supporting local workforce development
Portage Solar Project: Economic Impact
Total Wisconsin Impact: Over $100 million statewide (combined with Apple River project)
Direct Economic Benefits (First 20 Years): $73+ million
New tax revenues to local governments: ~$24 million
Job creation and increased local spending
Charitable contributions: ~$1.25 million over two decades
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