100-MW project located in Polk County, Wisconsin
Minneapolis, MN (June 30, 2025) – Last week, Geronimo Power (Geronimo) hosted a community event to celebrate the construction of its Apple River Solar project (Apple River) in Polk County, Wisconsin. The 100-megawatt (MW) project is located within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market and is scheduled to begin operations later this year. The event brought together landowners, community members, project partners and neighbors to recognize the significant impacts the project will provide in the form of new tax revenue, jobs, and charitable giving.
“Project host communities are the lifeblood of our projects, and I’m proud to be here today celebrating the Apple River Solar project with those who helped bring it to fruition,” said Jeff Ringblom, Chief Development Officer at Geronimo Power. “While we have a history of developing more than 150 MW of reliable energy across Wisconsin, we’re excited for this to be our first owned and operated project in the state. With more than $36 million expected to flow into the local and state communities from Apple River Solar, we firmly believe those dollars will result in meaningful, lasting positive impacts to Wisconsin residents and communities.”
Taking place shortly after the Summer Solstice, the social event featured several opportunities for attendees to learn more about solar energy, including a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the project site. Representatives from Xcel Energy (the power purchaser) and The Boldt Company (Engineering, Procurement and Construction partner) were also present and spoke about the contributions the project will make statewide and to local residents.
“We are excited to see this project begin, as the power Xcel Energy will purchase highlights our dedication to delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy to our customers,” said Karl Hoesly, president, Xcel Energy – Wisconsin/Michigan.
“Boldt and our subcontractors were proud to employ up to 150 skilled tradespeople—including laborers, carpenters, operators, electricians, and iron workers—throughout the year-long construction of this project,” said Jason Fields, Project Executive at The Boldt Company. “These union jobs offered competitive wages and strong benefits, supporting both the local community and workers across Wisconsin.”
Earlier this year, Geronimo Power announced Apple River’s pledge to contribute $500,000 in charitable funding over the first twenty years of operation. Funds will be distributed directly to the Amery and Clayton School Districts. A representative from Clayton was present at the event and provided with a commemorative check to signify the upcoming charitable donations.
About Geronimo Power
Geronimo Power (formerly National Grid Renewables) develops, owns and operates large-scale power assets throughout America’s Heartland, including solar, wind and energy storage. As a farmer-founded and community-focused business, Geronimo Power equips landowners and rural communities with sustainable revenue to ignite local economic growth. To learn more about Geronimo Power, visit www.geronimopower.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.
