Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District and Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) on Thursday announced that they 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 eight-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.
The project will aim to benefit the community through locally-generated, carbon-free and cost-effective energy. The land surrounding the solar project will be maintained with a perennial cover that will preserve the farmland and keep phosphorus in the soil — 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 Madison Metropolitan Sewerage 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 two companies will host an open house on Aug. 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Maintenance Facility. This will be a drop-in event where interested individuals can learn more about the project.
For additional project information, click here.
