LACROSSE, Wis. – LaCrosse-based Dairyland Power has been awarded a $28 million federal grant to build three energy storage facilities for rural customers. Batteries would store excess energy from solar and wind farms. Some 700 kilowatts of electricity would be available for 10 hours of backup. The facilities would be at:
> Wyeville, Wis.: Through Oakdale Electric Co-op.
> Waukon, Iowa: Through Allamakee-Clayton Electric Co-op.
> Fentress Lake, Illinois: Through JCE Co-op.
Kevin Nordt. a Dairyland executive, said the co-op is at the forefront in bringing energy storage projects for underserved rural areas. The grant is from the U.S. Energy Department. Hundreds of jobs will be created by construction, he said.