WI Solar Project Invests in Rural Youth, Community

By Judith Ruiz-Branch

A 100-megawatt solar project in rural Polk County set to begin operating this year has a unique focus on investments in youth.

Developers said the Apple River Solar Project will be able to power about 26,000 homes and offset CO2 emissions by nearly 130,000 metric tons, the equivalent of taking about 31,000 cars off the road each year.

Jeff Ringblom, chief development officer for the renewable energy company Geronimo Power, formerly National Grid Renewables, said the project will provide economic benefits to the community and a monetary donation to the Amery and Clayton school districts totaling $500,000.

"We've always been founded under the pretense of being what we call 'farmer friendly,'" Ringblom explained. "But that really encompasses the entire community and all of the stakeholders that are engaged. So we try to give back to the communities in which we operate in."