[Portage County, WI] – Today, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) announced the approval of Doral’s Vista Sands Solar project, located near the towns of Plover and Grant in Portage County, Wisconsin. The proposed solar project is the largest of its kind in Wisconsin’s history, with a generating capacity of approximately 1.3 gigawatts. The PSCW will follow up today’s oral decision with a written order finalizing the project’s approval.
During the open hearing, commissioners praised Vista Sands and described it as one of the most beneficial and impactful projects in Wisconsin, that has the potential to deliver extraordinary value for the state. The PSC further praised Vista Sands’ “thorough and robust community engagement process” and described Vista Sands’ communication and outreach as “proactive and transparent that created awareness, helped educate and built relationships and trust.” The commissioners deemed that Vista Sands has gone above and beyond to incorporate community and stakeholder feedback and noted its significant economic and environmental impact.
Vice President of Development at Doral Renewables and Project Manager for the Vista Sands Solar project Jon Baker said: “We are thrilled with the approval of the Vista Sands Solar Project by the PSCW. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for clean energy in Wisconsin, bringing us closer to a future where reliable, affordable, and sustainable power is available to all. With years of careful planning and deep community engagement, Vista Sands’ approval represents a transformative opportunity for local economies in Portage County and a major step forward for Wisconsin in achieving its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We look forward to continued engagement as the project advances towards its final design.”
At full capacity, Vista Sands Solar will generate enough electricity to power over 200,000 Wisconsin homes, while providing economic development opportunities in central Wisconsin. Vista Sands Solar will bring a total capital investment of nearly $2 billion and create approximately 500 jobs during construction and about 50 permanent jobs, stimulating local economic activity that will benefit local businesses. The project also brings support to local communities through utility aid payments that are estimated to exceed $6 million annually to Portage County and the municipalities hosting the project.
In addition to the economic benefits, a report released earlier this year detailed the expected local and regional annual environmental, health and economic benefits of the Vista Sands Solar project. According to the report, in its first year of operation, the project would avoid over 1.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide released into the air; over 3,200 metric tons of soil acidification; and a significant decrease in other air, land, and water pollutants. The reductions in global and local pollutants are projected to produce approximately $630 million in additional economic gains in the first year alone – attributed to the reduction in healthcare costs and ecosystem preservation services.
For more information, visit the Vista Sands Solar Project website.
The Vista Sands Solar project is a 1.3-gigawatt solar power development in Portage County, Wisconsin, recently approved by the state’s Public Service Commission. The Vista Sands Solar project is developed by Doral Renewables LLC, a leading renewables company based in Philadelphia. Learn more about the project and the benefits it can bring to the region by visiting vistasandssolar.com.
