Madison College trains workforce to meet growing energy needs

Madison College and The CREATE Energy Center recently hosted a celebration for the newly powered Cardinal-Hickory Creek Electric Transmission Line. The event was led by American Clean Power (ACP) and the Clean Grid Alliance (CGA), to recognize the new transmission line delivering wind and solar energy to millions of homes and businesses. 
 
Expanding the regional transmission capacity is imperative to the growth of Wisconsin and the Midwest’s clean energy economy. By 2030, Wisconsin alone is expected to add 6,900 MW of utility-scale solar, 1,400 MW of wind power, and 1,300 MW of battery storage, representing a 263% increase in total clean power capacity. 

“Madison College is proud to be a leader in construction and clean energy technology, and we are pleased to host today’s event recognizing the importance of energy infrastructure development”, said Mark Thomas, Executive Vice President, and Chief Strategy Officer at Madison College. 

Madison College students who will soon join the clean energy workforce also celebrated the intiative, says Ken Walz, Director of the CREATE Energy Center.

“I am glad that many of Madison College’s Electrical Apprenticeship students attended the event, which was held during National Apprenticeship Week”, Walz said. “These essential skilled workers will build the critical infrastructure that powers America through a once-in-a-century energy transition.  Our students and others employed in the clean energy industry can go home at the end of the day, feeling good about their work, knowing that they have provided low-cost renewable energy and clean air to the communities they serve”. 
 
The 102-mile, 345,000 Volt, Cardinal Hickory Creek transmission line stretches from Dubuque County, Iowa to the Cardinal Substation in Middleton, Wisconsin.  As of June 2024, over 160 wind and solar generation projects were dependent on the Cardinal Hickory Creek line, located in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.  The line was energized on Sept 16, 2024, operating at nearly full capacity.