Construction on Elk Creek Solar project expected to begin in second quarter of 2025
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By LeAnn R. Ralph
MENOMONIE — Although Elk Creek Solar had hoped to start construction on the Town of Spring Brook project in the fourth quarter of this year, construction is now likely to begin in the second quarter of 2025.
Kristin Korpela, county manager, reported on the 300 megawatt Elk Creek Solar project at the Dunn County Board’s July 31 meeting.
The project is expected to produce enough electricity to power 60,000 homes, she said.
Elk Creek Solar applied for a permit from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in the fourth quarter of 2022 and received the permit in the fourth quarter of 2023, Korpela said.
The project is expected to be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2026, she said.
Elk Creek Solar had hoped to start construction sooner, but there were some delays in the project, Korpela said.
According to state law, Elk Creek Solar will pay Dunn County $900,000 per year, she said.
The Dunn County Board approved a developer’s agreement for the Elk Creek Solar Project in April of 2023.
Elk Creek Solar is owned by Tyr Energy Development Renewables.
The 300-megawatt solar generating facility with a 76.6 megawatt battery storage system will be built on 2,500 acres in the Town of Spring Brook.
By state law, applying to the PSC means approval of the solar project is entirely on the state level and not under Dunn County’s jurisdiction. Dunn County zoning does not apply, and the developer’s agreement allows the county to maintain a small measure of control over the project.
The agreement approved by the Dunn County Board is a joint agreement between Elk Creek Solar, the Town of Spring Brook and the County of Dunn regarding the construction and operation of a photovoltaic electrical generating facility.
The joint developer’s agreement covers the use of county highways. Muddy Creek is on the western edge of the project, and the agreement includes Dunn County’s shoreland-wetland ordinance where it is applicable.
The agreement also covers access driveways, rights-of-way, the height of equipment, vegetation requirements, fencing, aesthetics and sound impacts.
The Town of Spring Brook also will receive payments from Elk Creek Solar as mandated by state law.
Elk Creek Solar has signed an agreement with the Elk Mound school district as well stating that the school district will receive $60,000 per year for 20 years.
Dunn County is expected to receive the first annual payment of $900,000 sometime during the first year of production.
