In northeast Wisconsin, Manitowoc Public Utilities (MPU), a small municipality-owned electric provider, is facing an unexpected challenge. According to a draft report by the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin, MPU is the only regulated electric provider in the state predicted to see a rise in its carbon emissions by the decade’s end. This trend is a stark contrast to the efforts of many utilities to cut their carbon footprints, highlighting a significant issue for the community and state. Despite this alarming forecast, MPU officials insist they are committed to reversing this trend through significant projects aimed at lowering emissions. In 2022, MPU was the only utility in Wisconsin to report an increase in carbon emissions. While the utility has yet to announce formal carbon reduction goals or timelines, MPU General Manager Troy Adams emphasizes an ongoing project to convert two boilers at the power plant from fossil fuels to renewable fuel pellets made from industrial paper and plastic waste. This initiative is not reflected in the PSC’s current projections.
MPU’s Commitment to Reversing Emission Trends
Adams explains that the planned conversion to renewable fuel pellets is expected to result in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, estimating a 55 percent cut from 2005 levels by adopting these renewable pellets. These pellets are constructed from materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, releasing methane—a potent greenhouse gas. This conversion strategy aims to provide a more sustainable energy source that will not only reduce emissions but also extend the life of the boilers. Moreover, the renewable fuel pellets will enable MPU to incorporate more wind and solar energy into its grid. By being dispatchable, these units can adapt to the variability of renewable sources, thus enhancing grid reliability while promoting cleaner energy. However, the full scope and impact of this project are yet to be captured in the official projections, offering some hope for MPU’s future emission profiles.
Officials at MPU are already taking steps toward this greener future. In 2021, one boiler successfully completed a long-term run using these fuel pellets, followed by the second boiler in 2023. To ensure a steady supply of these renewable pellets, MPU has partnered with companies in Green Bay and Appleton. Additionally, MPU plans to set up another production facility by late 2025. Despite these promising developments, not everyone is convinced that pellet combustion is the best way forward. Amy Barrilleaux from Clean Wisconsin argues that, while an improvement over fossil fuels, these waste pellets still release pollutants detrimental to the climate and public health. According to Barrilleaux, utilities should focus on the cleanest possible energy solutions and steer away from any combustion-based options to achieve genuinely sustainable energy practices.
Exploring Additional Green Initiatives
Beyond the boiler conversion project, MPU is delving into various other renewable energy avenues. Notably, the utility is rolling out a community solar program targeted at residential customers, which is expected to go live this month. This initiative not only underscores MPU’s efforts to diversify its energy portfolio but also strengthens its commitment to engaging the community in sustainable practices. By involving residential customers directly in renewable energy adoption, MPU aims to foster a broader culture of environmental responsibility within Manitowoc. Additionally, there is consideration underway to extend this solar program to serve industrial customers. This extension could potentially lead to the creation of a larger solar garden catering to commercial and industrial needs, amplifying MPU’s impact on reducing carbon emissions while meeting diverse energy requirements.
Despite these strides, MPU has not yet set definitive carbon reduction targets. General Manager Troy Adams points out that establishing such goals would require the city’s approval, indicating that broader municipal support and alignment are crucial for long-term success. Adams notes that the city appears content with the current trajectory and approach to reducing emissions, suggesting a collaborative but cautious approach to setting more ambitious environmental objectives. This highlights the complex interplay between municipal governance and utility management in steering the local energy transition.
Community Influence and Broader Trends
In northeast Wisconsin, Manitowoc Public Utilities (MPU), a small municipality-owned electric provider, is grappling with an unexpected issue. A draft report by the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin indicates that MPU is the only regulated electric provider in the state projected to see a rise in carbon emissions by the decade’s end. This trend starkly contrasts with other utilities’ efforts to reduce their carbon footprints, highlighting a significant problem for both the community and the state. Despite this alarming forecast, MPU officials affirm their commitment to reversing this trend through significant projects aimed at reducing emissions. For instance, in 2022, MPU was the only utility in Wisconsin to see an increase in carbon emissions. Although the utility has not yet set formal carbon reduction goals or timelines, MPU General Manager Troy Adams highlights an ongoing project to convert two boilers at the power plant from fossil fuels to renewable fuel pellets made from industrial paper and plastic waste. This initiative, however, is not yet reflected in the PSC’s current projections.
