Madison College and The CREATE Energy Center recently held a celebration for the newly operational Cardinal-Hickory Creek Electric Transmission Line. This event, led by American Clean Power (ACP) and the Clean Grid Alliance (CGA), aimed to acknowledge the new transmission line that provides wind and solar energy to millions of homes and businesses.
The expansion of regional transmission capacity is crucial for the growth of Wisconsin and the Midwest's clean energy economy. By 2030, Wisconsin is projected to add 6,900 MW of utility-scale solar, 1,400 MW of wind power, and 1,300 MW of battery storage. This represents a 263% increase 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.
Ken Walz, Director of the CREATE Energy Center, noted that Madison College students who will soon enter the clean energy workforce also celebrated this initiative. “I am glad that many of Madison College’s Electrical Apprenticeship students attended the event, which was held during National Apprenticeship Week,” Walz said. “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 spans 102 miles with a voltage of 345,000 volts from Dubuque County, Iowa to Middleton's Cardinal Substation in Wisconsin. As of June 2024, over 160 wind and solar generation projects across Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin were dependent on this line. It was energized on September 16th, 2024 and is operating near full capacity.
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