PORTAGE COUNTY, Wis. — Geronimo Power, a leading developer in the Midwest’s renewable energy sector, has officially broken ground on its 250-megawatt Portage Solar project, further expanding its presence in Wisconsin’s growing clean power market.

The new Portage Solar facility, located in Portage County, is the latest in Geronimo’s portfolio following its recent Apple River Solar project in Polk County. Together, these sites mark significant investments in the MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) energy market, boosting local jobs, tax revenue, and clean energy supply for Wisconsin businesses and communities.

Portage Solar’s local promise

The project is projected to create over 300 jobs during the construction phase, with a clear focus on hiring local Wisconsin tradespeople and contractors. Geronimo’s collaboration with engineering firm Burns & McDonnell marks the companies’ first joint effort in Wisconsin, reinforcing the project’s commitment to regional workforce development.

Beyond construction jobs, Portage Solar is expected to generate more than $73 million in direct economic benefits for Portage County and surrounding municipalities over its first 20 years of operation. These gains come through new tax revenue streams, increased local spending, and a dedicated community charitable fund, which will channel about $1.25 million into supporting local nonprofit groups and community initiatives.

Clean power for data-driven growth

Portage Solar has already secured a power purchase agreement (PPA) to supply renewable energy to large-scale customers — a key factor as Wisconsin continues to attract data centers, manufacturers, and advanced industries demanding reliable, carbon-free electricity.

By pairing Portage Solar with the Apple River Solar facility, Geronimo expects to inject over $100 million into Wisconsin’s economy while delivering clean, renewable energy that aligns with the state’s sustainability and emissions reduction targets.

A growing renewable energy hub

‍Geronimo’s expanding footprint also helps position Wisconsin as an emerging hub for solar and other renewable technologies within the MISO grid region. The company’s strategy focuses on community-based partnerships that balance clean energy generation with direct local impact, including jobs, tax base expansion, and investments in local charities.

With construction underway, the Portage Solar farm is expected to begin operations in late 2026, helping Wisconsin transition to a more sustainable energy future — and setting a model for how large-scale renewables can deliver both economic and environmental returns for the state.

Originally reported by Ruth Arteaga in Inspenet.