Molson Coors boards We Energies renewable pilot program

Molson Coors Beverage Co. will transition its southeast Wisconsin operations to use renewable energy with We Energies‘ Renewable Pathway Pilot Program.

The brewer will sign up for 27 megawatts from the Badger Hollow Solar Park in Iowa County, according to a press release. The energy will offset power used at Molson Coors‘ State Street Brewery, the Leinenkugel’s 10th Street Brewery, the Watertown Hops Brewer, Milwaukee Corporate offices and other small locations.

It’s part of both Molson Coors’ and We Energies’ goals to reduce their carbon footprint over the next several decades.

“Renewable energy is a key component of our plans, and the We Energies Renewable Pathway program is a great fit to help us get there,” said Rachel Schneider, Molson Coors’ vice president of sustainability.

According to company officials, Molson Coors wants to hit net zero greenhouse gas emissions by at least 2050.

We Energies and its parent company, WEC Energy Group, want to build and own 3,800 MW of renewable energy in the next four years and reduce its carbon emissions by 80% by 2030.

“This innovative program is another effort to ensure our customers have the affordable, reliable and clean energy they depend on,” said Scott Lauber, president of We Energies. “We raise a glass to this partnership and thank Molson Coors for its commitment to a more sustainable city and state.”

Through the Renewable Pathway program, We Energies’ large business customers can subscribe and purchase electricity from a Wisconsin renewable energy project, officials said. Companies will pay the full share of their subscription and receive clean energy credits as they reach their environmental goals, officials added.

Badger Hollow solar field generates 300 MW, according to the Badger Public Service. It was first approved in 2020. The field has around 500,000 solar panels spread across 1,100 near Dodgeville.