Wisconsin governor issues executive order mandating carbon-free energy mix by 2050

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The 300MW Badger Hollow Solar Farm is expected to spur Wisconsin’s renewable-energy sector. Image: Martin Abegglen / Flickr

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has signed off on Executive Order 38, a motion that will create an Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy within the state, with the office tasked with achieving the goal of ensuring all electricity consumed within the State of Wisconsin is 100% carbon-free by 2050.

Other missions of the Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy will include ensuring that the state fulfills the carbon reduction goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Accord, foster innovation, research, and business development within the renewable energy market and develop energy efficiency, sustainability and renewable energy standards for all new and existing state facilities, office buildings, and complexes.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The office will also promote clean energy workforce training though a partnership with the University of Wisconsin System, Wisconsin Technical College System and other workforce programs.

In terms of developing a new clean energy plan for Wisconsin, the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy will work in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation, the Public Service Commission, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, other state agencies, Native Nations, local governments, utilities, businesses, and other stakeholders to develop and implement said plan. 

Per the release from the Office of the Governor, Evers' order comes from the fact that “climate change poses a serious threat to Wisconsin's natural resources, public health, communities, tourism, and economy.” 

The release adds that past research by the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts revealed that by the middle of the century, statewide average annual temperatures are likely to warm by 6 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another report from the Union of Concerned Scientists suggests that under the current trajectory, by 2050 Wisconsin could see two weeks per year of dangerous heat – with heat indexes above 100 degrees – analogous to the current climate in states such as Alabama and South Carolina. 

While Wisconsin trails behind other US states when it comes to PV generation, more and more solar projects are on the horizon, headlined by the 300MW Badger Hollow Solar Farm, which is being developed by Chicago-based Invenergy. 

7 October 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 7-8 October 2025 is our third PV CellTech conference dedicated to the U.S. manufacturing sector. The events in 2023 and 2024 were a sell out success and 2025 will once again gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing in the U.S. out to 2030 and beyond.
21 October 2025
New York, USA
Returning for its 12th edition, Solar and Storage Finance USA Summit remains the annual event where decision-makers at the forefront of solar and storage projects across the United States and capital converge. Featuring the most active solar and storage transactors, join us for a packed two-days of deal-making, learning and networking.
16 June 2026
Napa, USA
PV Tech has been running PV ModuleTech Conferences since 2017. PV ModuleTech USA, on 16-17 June 2026, will be our fifth PV ModulelTech conference dedicated to the U.S. utility scale solar sector. The event will gather the key stakeholders from solar developers, solar asset owners and investors, PV manufacturing, policy-making and and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out the PV module supply channels to the U.S. out to 2027 and beyond.

Read Next

September 17, 2025
US renewables developer Longroad Energy has reached financial close for its 400MW 1000 Mile solar project in the US state of Texas.
September 17, 2025
Nexamp has secured US$350 million through a long-term financing facility to expand its 6GW utility-scale solar and battery storage pipeline in the US. 
September 17, 2025
The California State Legislature has passed two bills that aim to reduce energy prices in the state, AB 825 and SB 302.
Premium
September 17, 2025
PV CellTech: Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of North American solar module manufacturer Heliene, says US producers must learn to survive without tax incentives.
Premium
September 16, 2025
At RE+, industry leaders pointed to the resilience of the US solar sector, despite challenges brought by the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' Act.
September 16, 2025
Two Wisconsin Republicans have introduced legislation to open access to community solar projects in the US state.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA