Wiktor Wise
Wisconsin's electricity is predominantly generated using fossil fuels, with coal and natural gas contributing to most of the state's net electricity generation. However, Wisconsin does not have any fossil fuel resources and relies on imports from other states and countries. In recent years, the state has seen a shift from coal to natural gas, with natural gas-fired generation surpassing coal for the first time in 2022. Wisconsin also has some nuclear power plants, hydroelectric dams, and renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and bioenergy. The state has set goals to increase the use of renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions, with a target of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary energy sources | Coal, natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, oil |
| % Natural gas | 40.7% (2024) |
| % Coal | 31.8% (2024) |
| % Nuclear | 15.5% (2024) |
| % Solar | 4.5% (2024) |
| % Wind | 3% (2024) |
| % Hydroelectric | 2.9% (2024) |
| % Biomass | 1.4% (2024) |
| Renewable energy goal | 10% by 2015 |
| Renewable energy generation (2023) | 10.2% |
| Renewable energy investment | $2.3 billion |
| Number of renewable energy power plants | ~200 |
| Renewable energy sold (2019) | 13% |
| Net generation | 62,548 GWh |
| Summer capacity | 17,580 MW |
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What You'll Learn
Wisconsin's energy mix in 2024: 40.7% natural gas, 31.8% coal, 15.5% nuclear, 4.5% solar, 3% wind
Wisconsin's energy mix in 2024 is expected to include natural gas, coal, nuclear, solar, and wind power sources. While the exact percentages may vary, here is an overview of the state's energy mix and its efforts toward renewable energy:
Natural Gas: 40.7%
Natural gas has become an increasingly important energy source in Wisconsin, surpassing coal in 2022 to fuel 43% of the state's total net generation in 2023. This shift is due to the retirement of coal-fired power plants and rising energy demands. In 2024, natural gas is expected to contribute slightly less, at 40.7%, to the state's energy mix.
Coal: 31.8%
Coal has been a significant energy source for Wisconsin, contributing up to 50% of the state's total electricity net generation in 2018. However, coal's share has been decreasing, and in 2023 it accounted for 32%. By 2024, coal's contribution is expected to further decrease to 31.8%. Wisconsin does not have its own coal reserves and primarily imports coal from Wyoming.
Nuclear: 15.5%
Nuclear power has been a consistent source of carbon-free energy in Wisconsin. The state's Point Beach nuclear power plant, which houses two of the nation's oldest operating reactors, supplied about 15% of the state's net generation in 2023. This percentage is expected to remain relatively stable in 2024 at 15.5%.
Solar: 4.5%
Wisconsin has been increasing its solar energy capacity. In 2023, solar energy contributed to about one-fourth of the state's renewable energy generation. By mid-2024, the state had approximately 82 utility-scale solar PV facilities, with a combined capacity of about 1,860 megawatts. This capacity is expected to increase further, with over 760 megawatts of additional utility-scale solar PV projects in development. By 2024, solar energy is projected to contribute 4.5% to the state's energy mix.
Wind: 3%
Wind energy has been a minor contributor to Wisconsin's energy mix, providing about 3% of the state's total net generation in 2023. The state has abundant wind resources, and transitioning to wind and other renewable energy sources is a key part of Wisconsin's energy goals.
Wisconsin has set ambitious goals for increasing renewable energy sources and reducing its reliance on imported fossil fuels. While natural gas and coal still dominate the state's energy mix in 2024, efforts to promote solar, wind, and other renewable sources are ongoing.
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The state's renewable energy goals
Wisconsin's energy profile is largely dependent on fossil fuels, with natural gas and coal contributing about three-quarters of the state's in-state electricity generation in 2023. However, the state has set ambitious renewable energy goals to reduce its reliance on these non-renewable sources. In 2019, Governor Evers established the State Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy with a goal to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity consumption by 2050. This target is in line with studies suggesting that renewable energy could provide 80% of the nation's energy needs by the same year.
Wisconsin's renewable energy goals are driven by the recognition that the state lacks fossil fuel reserves but has abundant renewable resources, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. The state's solar resources contributed about one-fourth of its renewable energy generation in 2023, an increase from one-tenth in 2021. By mid-2024, Wisconsin had 82 utility-scale solar PV facilities with a combined capacity of about 1,860 megawatts, and more than 760 megawatts of additional capacity is expected to come online by the end of 2025.
To achieve its renewable energy goals, Wisconsin is also focusing on electric vehicles (EVs) and reducing its reliance on imported oil. EVs require minimal maintenance, and charging them with electricity is cheaper than using gas, benefiting household budgets. Additionally, the state's agricultural activities provide valuable renewable energy resources, and it has the potential to expand its bioenergy capacity. By transitioning to renewable energy sources and electric transportation, Wisconsin can keep energy dollars in-state and promote investment in its economy.
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Nuclear power in Wisconsin
Wisconsin consumes almost six times as much energy as it produces. In 2023, natural gas and coal generated about three-quarters of the state's in-state electricity generation. However, Wisconsin does not have any fossil fuel resources and has to import coal, primarily from Wyoming, and natural gas from Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Kansas, and Canada.
Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from nuclear fission in a contained environment to convert water to steam, which powers generators to produce electricity. Wisconsin has one operating nuclear power plant, the Point Beach Nuclear Plant located in Two Rivers, which supplied about 15% of the state's net generation in 2023. The Point Beach Nuclear Plant covers 1,050 acres, with all but 70 acres used mainly for agriculture. It has two Westinghouse two-loop pressurized water reactors and is cooled with a once-through cooling system that draws water from Lake Michigan.
The Kewaunee nuclear plant, located 35 miles southeast of Green Bay, is another nuclear power plant in Wisconsin. It occupies a 900-acre site in Carlton and has a single Westinghouse two-loop pressurized water reactor. The management of the site has been consolidated with the Point Beach Nuclear Plant.
The Wisconsin Emergency Management Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program (REP) coordinates the state's response in the event of a nuclear power plant emergency. Residents within 10 miles of a nuclear plant receive emergency information materials annually, which include educational information on radiation, instructions for evacuation and sheltering, and special arrangements for the handicapped.
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Fossil fuels in Wisconsin
Despite lacking fossil fuel reserves, Wisconsin's electricity has traditionally been generated using fossil fuels, with coal and natural gas contributing to most of the state's total net generation. In 2023, natural gas fuelled 43% of the state's total net generation, while coal contributed 32%. However, this marks a shift from 2018 when coal supplied 50% of the state's electricity. Wisconsin also lacks crude oil resources and does not have any operating refineries.
The state imports coal, primarily from Wyoming, and natural gas from Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Kansas, and Canada. These fossil fuel imports cost Wisconsin billions of dollars every year. Additionally, Wisconsin's many ports, including the Wisconsin side of the Port of Duluth-Superior, ship coal and petroleum products. Pipelines carrying crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas also cross the state.
Recognising the financial and environmental costs of relying on fossil fuels, Wisconsin has set ambitious goals for transitioning to clean, renewable energy sources. In 2019, Governor Evers set a target for the state to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity consumption by 2050. While renewable energy currently accounts for a small proportion of Wisconsin's electricity, the state is ranked ninth in the nation in fuel ethanol production and is one of the top 20 biodiesel producers. The state's agricultural sector, including its corn crop and dairy farms, plays a significant role in ethanol and biodiesel production.
Wisconsin has abundant renewable resources, including wind and solar energy, and is taking steps towards a cleaner energy future. The state's solar resources have seen increased contribution to renewable energy generation, with utility-scale solar installations playing a major role. Additionally, dozens of dams throughout Wisconsin supply hydroelectric power, and the state's 17 million acres of forestland hold biomass energy resources. By investing in these renewable sources, Wisconsin can reduce its reliance on volatile fossil fuels and keep energy dollars within the state, boosting its economy.
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Electric vehicles and clean energy
Wisconsin's electricity primarily comes from coal and natural gas, with nuclear power also contributing a smaller share. The state has no fossil fuel resources of its own and is instead reliant on imports. In 2023, natural gas fuelled 43% of the state's total net generation, while coal contributed 32%. Wisconsin's Point Beach nuclear power plant supplied about 15% of the state's net generation in the same year.
Despite the state's current energy mix, there is a strong case for electric vehicles and clean energy in Wisconsin. Firstly, the state has set ambitious goals for carbon-free electricity consumption by 2050. Secondly, Wisconsin has abundant sun and wind resources, which can be harnessed to generate renewable energy. In 2023, solar power contributed about one-fourth of the state's renewable energy generation, with utility-scale solar installations supplying four times more electricity than small-scale, customer-sited solar facilities.
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy offers multiple benefits to Wisconsin. Firstly, it can reduce the state's reliance on imported fossil fuels, keeping energy dollars within the state and promoting investment in Wisconsin's economy. Secondly, EVs require minimal maintenance, and charging them with electricity is cheaper than gasoline, benefiting household budgets. Additionally, electric vehicles produce less pollution than gasoline cars, even in states like Wisconsin, where coal and other fossil fuels are still used for electricity generation.
To support the adoption of EVs and clean energy, Wisconsin has implemented various initiatives and incentives. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission's Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) offers grant programs for the development of renewable energy and energy storage technology, including projects related to electric vehicles and fleet energy planning. The state has also received funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program for the deployment of "Level 3" fast chargers for electric vehicles. Additionally, Wisconsin has tax incentives in place, such as tax credits for corporations involved in qualified research related to automotive batteries for hybrid electric vehicles and improving the efficiency of electricity use.
Overall, the transition to electric vehicles and clean energy in Wisconsin offers environmental, economic, and energy security benefits. By harnessing its abundant renewable resources and implementing supportive policies and incentives, the state can reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, lower energy costs for residents, and contribute to its goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity consumption by 2050.
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Frequently asked questions
The main sources of electricity in Wisconsin are natural gas, coal, nuclear, solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass. In 2023, natural gas fuelled 43% of the state's total net generation, while coal contributed 32%.
The renewable energy sources in Wisconsin include solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass. In 2023, solar energy contributed about one-fourth of the state's renewable energy generation, and wind power from neighbouring states made up about half of the state's renewable energy.
Wisconsin has set a goal for all electricity consumed in the state to be 100% carbon-free by 2050. The state also has a renewable energy goal that requires all new generating capacity to be powered by renewable energy sources where cost-effective and technically feasible.
Transitioning to renewable energy and electric vehicles can reduce Wisconsin's reliance on imported fossil fuels, promote energy independence, and keep energy dollars within the state. It can also help reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions and provide greater energy security and reliability.
