MADISON, Wis. — Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (District) and Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) are partnering to add more carbon-free solar energy to MGE’s distribution grid.
Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District plans to lease a tract of land to MGE to build an 8-megawatt solar array, called the Nine Springs Solar project. The land is located directly south of the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant in South Madison.
“MGE appreciates the opportunity to partner with the District in advancing shared goals and continuing to grow our use of carbon-free, solar energy generated in our community,” said Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO. “MGE is working to decarbonize the electricity we provide to our customers while maintaining our commitment to safe, reliable and affordable energy as we work toward net-zero carbon electricity.”
While the District reuses waste heat, captures and reuses biogas and generates a small amount of solar energy from an existing rooftop installation, District leadership is seeking additional ways to contribute to renewable energy production and be a more sustainable community partner.
“As a significant energy user, this project allows us to be a part of the solution,” says District Executive Director Eric Dundee. “And it’s a triple-win for the environment: clean energy production, preservation of farmland and improved water quality through phosphorus reduction — all of which help, in their own way, support the work of the District.”
Through the partnership, the community benefits from locally generated, carbon-free and cost-effective energy. The land surrounding the solar project will be maintained with a perennial cover that can be harvested, thereby preserving the farmland. Additionally, maintaining perennial cover will benefit water quality by keeping phosphorus in the soil where it belongs. When phosphorus enters neighboring waterways, it contributes to algae growth and poor water quality.
MGE will build, own and operate the Nine Springs Solar array; no District ratepayer dollars will be used for the project. The lease will be in effect for a term of at least 20 years. MGE anticipates beginning construction in spring 2026, with the site expected to start producing energy in 2027.
The District, along with MGE, is hosting an open house on Tuesday, August 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at our Maintenance Facility, located inside Gate 4. This will be a drop-in event where interested individuals can learn more about the project and the District.
To learn more about the project, visit madsewer.org/ns-solar.
