TOWN OF MCMILLAN – “The development of Hub City Wind is rooted in reliability, security and cost-effectiveness for customers,” said Ben Tanko, development manager at Alliant Energy.
The proposed Hub City Wind project, a 150-megawatt development project in Marathon County in the towns of Day, McMillan, Eau Pleine, Cleveland, Green Valley and Brighton, represents what company officials describe as a long-term investment in Wisconsin’s energy future.
“The project represents a significant investment by driving a more resilient energy grid, promoting economic growth and creating opportunities for local communities,” Tanko said.
Alliant Energy says the project is part of a broader strategy to balance renewable and traditional energy sources.
“Alliant Energy is committed to delivering reliable, cost-effective energy to customers through a balanced energy portfolio comprised of renewable and traditional resources,” the company stated.
For local landowners, the project offers both financial and agricultural flexibility.
“Participating landowners will have the opportunity to diversify their income while still having the ability to farm their land around the turbines,” according to project materials.
The physical footprint of the turbines is expected to be relatively small.
“Wind turbines have a small footprint and typically only use approximately 1 to 2 acres per wind turbine,” the statement said, adding that “98% of the remaining leased land can remain in farming.”
Economic impact is another major focus.
“This project will create new construction jobs and ongoing positions in operations and maintenance once in service,” the company said.
Energy output is projected to be substantial.
“We expect it to generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 45,000 homes annually,” project representatives noted.
The project is still in development, with planning work ongoing.
“The project is currently in mid-stage development and is working on finalizing studies that will help to designate turbine locations and finalize the project design,” the statement said.
Local governments are also expected to benefit financially through state programs.
“The most measurable direct, financial benefit will be through the Wisconsin Shared Utility Revenue Program,” which requires “an annual $5,000/MW payment for the life of the project.”
Over time, those payments could add up significantly.
“Over the estimated 30-year lifespan… a total of $22.5 million in revenue is estimated to be generated,” with “$750,000 allocated each year to the participating county and towns.”
As planning continues, the project remains positioned as both an energy initiative and a community investment.
“The development is rooted in reliability, security and cost-effectiveness,” Tanko said, emphasizing its role in shaping Wisconsin’s energy future.
More information is available at www.alliantenergy.com/our-energy/wind/wisconsin-wind/hub-city-wind.
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