Dairyland Power adding wind farm near Platteville

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (WKBT) — Dairyland Power Cooperative is expanding into wind energy.

In a plan aimed at diversifying its energy production, the cooperative is putting up 49 wind turbines in southwestern Wisconsin.

The plant being set up outside of Platteville will provide the energy to Dairyland’s 26 cooperatives in the area.

While green energy may be slightly more expensive right now, Dairyland’s CEO says the transition needs to be made.

“Right now, Dairyland is largely coal, so the solar that we announced last year, as well as this wind, diversifies our portfolio. So it’s really part of our environmental stewardship, as well as wanting to diversify our portfolio,” said Barbara Nick.

The 98 megawatts produced by the turbines will be able to power more than 25,000 homes.