Geronimo Power has officially begun onsite construction of its 250-megawatt Portage Solar Project in Portage County, Wisconsin. The project operates within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market and follows the earlier construction launch of Apple River Solar in Polk County, Wisconsin, signaling Geronimo’s growing presence in the state’s renewable energy sector. Portage Solar is expected to deliver over $73 million in direct economic benefits to the region during its first 20 years of operation. This includes $24 million in new tax revenue that will be shared between the local county and township governments.
Together with the Apple River Solar Project, Geronimo’s investments will generate more than $100 million in combined economic impact across Wisconsin. This project also marks Geronimo’s first collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, who will lead engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) efforts. The construction phase is projected to create more than 300 jobs, with a focus on hiring local craft labor from within Wisconsin.
Joe Ibrahim, Vice President Construction at Geronimo Power, stated, “The true value of renewable energy isn’t in the power it provides to the local grid. It’s about the immensely positive impact to local economies in the form of new revenue streams and job creation. We anticipate the addition of Portage Solar to our Wisconsin portfolio will contribute more than $100 million statewide – that’s a huge milestone for us and a big win for our project communities.”
Leslie M. Duke, chair and CEO, Burns & McDonnell, mentioned, “As demand for data centers continues to grow, so does the need for reliable, renewable energy. We are proud to support Geronimo Power in the build out of the Portage site. Together with local union halls and contractors, we are supporting the workforce and strengthening the community as we build.”
In addition to its economic contributions, the Portage Solar Project will dedicate approximately $1.25 million to local charities and organizations over its first two decades of operation. These charitable contributions are part of a long-standing Geronimo initiative to support community well-being and establish strong, lasting partnerships in areas where its projects are developed. The Portage project already has a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in place and represents Geronimo Power’s continued commitment to expanding clean energy infrastructure while investing in the local communities it serves.
