Cora Hoffer, senior policy associate, 507.513.8545 or [email protected]; and Rhea Landholm, media and marketing manager, 402.603.0074 or [email protected]
Lyons, Nebraska - Demand for reliable, affordable electricity is driving wind and solar energy development across Wisconsin. As more projects are proposed and built, local communities have an opportunity to proactively plan for what happens when those facilities reach the end of their operational life.
A fact sheet released today by the Center for Rural Affairs outlines key considerations for Wisconsin county and local officials as they develop siting and zoning standards for decommissioning wind and solar energy systems.
“Planning for decommissioning is one of the most important steps communities can take when considering wind and solar development,” said Cora Hoffer, senior policy associate. “Clear, local policies can help ensure project owners, not local governments, remain responsible for removing equipment, restoring sites, and covering the costs at the end of a project’s life.”
Wisconsin was an early leader in renewable energy policy, adopting a renewable portfolio standard in 1999 and later setting a goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.
“With that growth comes the need for thoughtful local planning that helps communities capture the benefits of renewable energy while protecting taxpayers and landowners over the long term,” Hoffer said.
Wind projects generally have an operation life of 25 to 40 years, while solar projects often operate for 25 to 35 years before repowering, reuse, or full decommissioning is considered. In Wisconsin, wind projects are subject to statewide siting standards, which includes decommissioning requirements.
“Solar, however, does not have comparable statewide siting rules, making it especially important for local governments to clearly spell out expectations for decommissioning, site restoration, recycling, and financial assurance,” Hoffer said.
The fact sheet highlights tools such as joint development agreements and financial assurance mechanisms—including bonds, escrow accounts, deposits, and letters of credit—to help ensure decommissioning costs are fully covered and do not fall on counties or residents.
The new decommissioning resource is intended to be short, digestible, and easy to use. To read and download the fact sheet visit cfra.org/publications.
