Proposed energy centers in Calumet County could power 2M homes

The bigger of the two energy centers would be the second-largest natural gas producer in Wisconsin. The two projects, called the Forest Junction Energy Center and the Union Depot Energy Center, would be located along Highway 57 to the east, just north of Highway 10 near the Brillion Town Hall.

Forest Junction would generate up to 1,203 megawatts (MW) and Union Depot would generate up to 750 MW. About 1,200 MW are required to power 1 million homes in the U.S., according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Wisconsin’s energy demand expected to grow significantly by 2032; Invenergy, We Energies declined to say whether data centers directly spurring project

The center comes as Wisconsin’s energy demand is expected to grow by more than 40% over the next six years, according to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. Coal production is expected to drop from 31% of energy production to 3% during that period, according to the same study.

Both Invenergy and We Energies declined to say whether data center demands play a role, which require large amounts of electricity. The electricity would connect to the grid, so it would add to the general supply and not to a specific project or use, according to Invenergy.

When asked whether We Energies would buy the energy when the plant would open in 2031, spokesman Brendan Conway responded by saying, “As Wisconsin’s economy continues to grow, we’re planning to meet our customers’ needs with safe, reliable energy. We will have more information available about the Forest Junction project in regulatory filings in the coming months.”

Center would provide tax revenue, about 20 jobs

The project would contribute up to $4.1 million in local and county tax revenue each year, according to Invenergy.

“Getting the utility credits or tax that we’ll get will be a benefit to the town,” said Town of Brillion Chairman Kevin Fischer. “I don’t see it being any harm to the community, because it’s out in the rural community.”

Invenergy will have to be issued environmental permits, which address:

• Air pollution
• Stormwater
• Wetland fill
• Endangered resources
• Water use

“We’re in the early stages of permitting a state-of-the-art natural gas project that will power homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure while contributing to a more reliable, affordable, cleaner electricity mix,” said Invenergy developer Daniel Birmingham. “We look forward to working with Calumet County and the neighboring communities to ensure local businesses, workers, and public services benefit from this investment for years to come.”

More details of the plants:

• 6 turbines
• 550 gallons of water used per minute at its peak
• Union Depot (smaller center) would run continually; Forest Junction would run during when the need demands

For reference, the major energy plant off I-41 in Kaukauna is also a natural gas energy center, but it only produces up to 550 MW.

All is decided by the state, not the county or towns

The entire project works through the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR), not the Town of Brillion or Calumet County.

“We’re aware of the permitting process and all of those things involved in the project,” said Calumet County Administrator Todd Romenesko. “Even though the county doesn’t have control or any authority over the permitting process, we will stay connected to it as best we can.”

Fischer said the best thing the Town of Brillion can do is work with Invenergy as best it can and said he felt better about the project after visiting a major Invenergy project in Minnesota.

“They seem very willing to work with us as far as making sure there’s no damage to any of our roads, and if there is that they would fix them,” said Fischer.

He added that they’ve also shown willingness about coming to an agreement for the process of decommissioning the plant eventually.

How residents can voice concern

The plant is in a rural area, but Fischer said a few residents have voiced concern over the noise and size of the project. Because the planning goes through the Wisconsin PSC, feedback should go to them.

• To sign up for updates from Wisconsin PSC, click this link and enter “5-CE-162” — 5 in Docket ID Part 1, CE in Docket ID Part 2 and 162 in Docket ID Part 3, followed by your email address. You’ll then receive a code to your inbox, which you’ll enter into the “One-time Code” box
• To file a complaint or feedback with the Wisconsin PSC, click this link

Invenergy also will hold public information sessions, which are likely to be this fall, according to Fischer.

Timeline

Invenergy needs several state and federal permits before beginning construction. It plans to begin applying this October.

Documents say the company hopes to begin construction in Quarter 4 of 2027 and open the energy centers in Quarter 4 of 2031.