Governor announces new partnership to explore Nuclear Energy in Wisconsin, plans to purchase renewable energy to power state agencies
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers tonight, during his 2026 State of the State address, announced new efforts to help bolster clean energy in Wisconsin, helping to further advance the goals of Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Plan and ensure that all electricity consumed within the state is 100 percent carbon-free by
2050. This includes a new partnership agreement between the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) and the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison’s Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics to undertake a study exploring nuclear energy opportunities in Wisconsin.
Additionally, the governor announced tonight that the state is taking the first steps to continue efforts to purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Wisconsin utilities and renewable energy projects for the next two decades, continuing the state’s long-standing practice of leading by example and ensuring Wisconsinites have access to in-state renewable electricity. The state plans to purchase approximately 225,000 RECs every year for the next 20 years, representing 225,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity each year, which is enough energy to power more than half a million Wisconsin homes.
Relevant excerpts from Gov. Evers’ 2026 State of the State address are available below:
“… For years, the state has purchased renewable electricity certificates from Wisconsin utilities to power our state agencies. I want to make sure we continue to work toward our clean energy goals. Thanks to the steps I’m announcing tonight, we’re ensuring the state will continue doing so long after I’m governor.
Tonight, I’m announcing that the state is going to purchase about 225,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy every year for the next 20 years. Folks, just to put that in perspective, that’s enough renewable energy to power more than half a million Wisconsin homes.
“We’re also continuing to explore new ways for Wisconsin to be a leader in clean energy. I’m excited to announce that we’re going to be partnering with the UW-Madison’s Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics to study nuclear energy opportunities in Wisconsin. Nuclear energy is the largest source of clean power in our country, and it’s a safe, reliable, carbon-free option to power our homes and businesses. This could be a game-changer for our state, and I’m glad this work has received bipartisan support this session ”
STUDYING THE FUTURE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY IN WISCONSIN
Nuclear energy generates safe, reliable, carbon-free electricity to power Wisconsin homes and businesses and remains an important part of Wisconsin’s existing energy infrastructure, accounting for 16 percent of the state’s energy generation, according to the PSC’s most recent Strategic Energy Assessment. Currently, Point Beach Nuclear Plant in Two Rivers is the only nuclear power plant in operation in Wisconsin.
In recent years, advancements in nuclear technology and increased demand for energy have led to renewed interest in nuclear energy nationwide, which is why, in July 2025, Gov. Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Act 12 to launch a nuclear power siting study, supported by $2 million in funding provided by the 2025-27 Biennial Budget, that will bolster knowledge and understanding of how Wisconsin’s nuclear energy potential can help meet the state’s growing need for carbon-free energy.
The overarching goal of the siting study is to provide foundational information and a thorough evaluation of potential nuclear energy development opportunities in Wisconsin to help guide future actions. The study scope encompasses traditional nuclear power, small modular reactors, and advanced technologies, including fusion energy. It will identify various siting opportunities and analyze site characteristics, suitability, regulatory, and permitting requirements, as well as impacts to local economies and the power grid.
Information from industry experts at the Oak Ridge and Pacific Northwest National Laboratories will be incorporated into the study, as will feedback from recent experiences with the construction and operation of nuclear projects. Act 12 requires the study be completed by the start of 2027.
The siting study will be conducted by PSC and the UW-Madison Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, as UW-Madison has one of the nation’s few remaining teaching and research nuclear reactors and is a national leader in fusion energy research.
In addition to the nuclear power siting study, in July, Gov. Evers also signed 2025 Wisconsin Act 11, creating a Nuclear Power Summit Board designed to help advance nuclear power and fusion technology and development, and to showcase Wisconsin’s leadership and innovation in the nuclear industry through the hosting of a nuclear power summit in the city of Madison.
PURCHASING RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATES
As announced by the governor tonight, the state is opening a Request for Proposals (RFP)
to purchase RECs from Wisconsin-based renewable energy projects. As previously mentioned, the state plans to purchase approximately 225,000 RECs annually, representing 225,000 MWh of clean electricity.
Since 2007, the state of Wisconsin has purchased over 1.8 million RECs from Wisconsin utilities. Each REC represents the equivalent of about one MWh of renewable energy. By purchasing RECs, state agencies support Wisconsin-based jobs, local economic development, clean air, and clean water, while offsetting their net greenhouse gas emissions. The RFP seeks proposals capable of delivering RECs starting in January 2031 for a 20-year term, helping position state agencies and universities to achieve Wisconsin’s goal of 100-percent carbon-free electricity by 2050.
In accordance with Gov. Evers’ Executive Order #38, which created the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy (OSCE), the state’s first-ever Clean Energy Plan was released in 2022, providing a roadmap for the state to lower energy bills and prices at the pump for Wisconsin families, promote energy independence by reducing reliance on out-of-state energy sources, create an estimated more than 40,000 jobs by 2030, and invest in job training and apprenticeship programs in innovative industries and technologies. The order
also established the state’s goal to reach 100 percent carbon-free electricity consumed in Wisconsin by 2050 and charged the OSCE with ensuring the state is fulfilling the carbon reduction goals of the Paris Agreement. Consistent with the values outlined in Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Plan, this RFP prioritizes renewable energy projects that:
- Reduce the disproportionate impacts of energy generation and use on low-income and at-risk communities:
- Maximize the creation of, and opportunities for, clean energy jobs, economic development, and stimulus; and
- Retain energy investment dollars in Wisconsin.
Through this procurement, the state is continuing its commitment to advancing a cleaner energy future and strengthening Wisconsin’s economy and communities. Interested bidders should register on Wisconsin’s e-Supplier Portal at https://esupplier.wi.gov/. The solicitation can be found under solicitation reference number AD271160.
