A resident speaks out against the proposed energy centers in Calumet County. Sept. 15, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
CHILTON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A proposed natural gas energy project in the Town of Brillion, Calumet County, isn’t being welcomed by everyone in the area.
Several residents voiced concerns at Tuesday’s County Board meeting.
The Chicago-based Invenergy would build two centers next to each other, just east of Highway 57 and north of Highway 10 near the Brillion Town Hall. The projects would combine to generate up to about 1,950 MW and could power up to about 500,000 homes.
What is this project?
The project would include two centers at the same site, called the Forest Junction Energy Center and Union Depot Energy Center.
The larger of the two centers would be the second-largest natural gas producer in the state. The plants would include six turbines and use up to 550 gallons of water per minute at its peak.
For comparison, the Kaukauna power plant right off I-41 is a natural gas energy center, but it only produces up to 550 MW, about 28% of the energy output of the proposed Calumet County centers.
The state can decide to instead locate the centers in the Town of Woodville, which is just east of Sherwood.
Why are people opposed to the project?
Residents cited a concern about crop yield and air pollution at Tuesday night’s Calumet County Board meeting.
“We are not claiming that the research done from somewhere proves that particular plants will harm our farms, but that those studies are done,” said Albert Geiger, a resident in the City of Brillion.
Added Mike Smith, representing the Northern Calumet County Concerned Citizens: “The central question is not whether these projects will generate revenue. It is whether Calumet County residents will experience a genuine net benefit.”
Smith also serves as mayor of the City of Brillion, though his comments Tuesday represented his own and were not on behalf of the city.
Invenergy will have to be issued environmental permits, which address:
- Air pollution
- Stormwater
- Wetland fill
- Endangered resources
- Water use
“We’re in the early stages of permitting this project, and we look forward to working with Calumet County and the host communities to ensure accurate information is presented to residents, and that local businesses, workers, and public services benefit from this investment for years to come,” said Invenergy Lead Developer Daniel Birmingham.
Who is involved in planning?
Invenergy and the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) plans this project, not Calumet County or the Town of Brillion.
“As the administrator, I’ve just been identifying what staff can do to help,” said County Administrator Todd Romenesko. “I know that they’re asking us to get involved. They’re asking us to advocate as a board. It’s difficult since we don’t have authority over it, that rests with the PSC and the DNR.”
All zoning and permits go through the Wisconsin PSC.
How might it benefit Calumet County?
The centers would provide up to $4.1 million in local and county tax revenue each year, according to Invenergy.
“Getting the utility credits or tax that we’ll get will be a benefit to the town,” Town of Brillion Chairman Kevin Fischer said on Sept. 1. “I don’t see it being any harm to the community, because it’s out in the rural community.”
The project would create about 20 long-term jobs and 550 construction jobs, according to Invenergy.
How can you voice concerns?
Invenergy also will hold a public information session this fall.
- To sign up for updates from Wisconsin PSC, click this link and enter “5-CE-162” — 5 in Docket ID Part 1, CE in Docket ID Part 2 and 162 in Docket ID Part 3, followed by your email address. You’ll then receive a code to your inbox, which you’ll enter into the “One-time Code” box
- To file a complaint or feedback with the Wisconsin PSC, click this link
- Learn more from Invenergy at the project website here.
Invenergy hopes to break ground in late 2027 and open the project in late 2031.
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