Madison Reporter

Madison College and The CREATE Energy Center recently celebrated the activation of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek Electric Transmission Line. The event was organized by American Clean Power (ACP) and the Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) to acknowledge the new line's role in supplying wind and solar energy to numerous homes and businesses.

The expansion of regional transmission capacity is crucial for the development of Wisconsin and the Midwest's clean energy sector. By 2030, Wisconsin is projected to increase its utility-scale solar capacity by 6,900 MW, wind power by 1,400 MW, and battery storage by 1,300 MW, marking a 263% rise in total clean power capacity.

“Madison College is proud to be a leader in construction and clean energy technology, and we are pleased to host today’s event recognizing the importance of energy infrastructure development,” said Mark Thomas, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Madison College.

Students from Madison College who are soon entering the clean energy workforce also participated in celebrating this initiative. Ken Walz, Director of the CREATE Energy Center, noted their involvement.

“I am glad that many of Madison College’s Electrical Apprenticeship students attended the event, which was held during National Apprenticeship Week,” Walz stated. “These essential skilled workers will build the critical infrastructure that powers America through a once-in-a-century energy transition. Our students and others employed in the clean energy industry can go home at the end of the day feeling good about their work, knowing that they have provided low-cost renewable energy and clean air to the communities they serve.”

The Cardinal Hickory Creek transmission line extends over 102 miles with a voltage of 345,000 volts from Dubuque County, Iowa to Middleton's Cardinal Substation in Wisconsin. As of June 2024, more than 160 wind and solar projects relied on this line across Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The line became operational on September 16th, 2024.