Cogen plant OK’d

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission approved Sept. 18 the West Campus Cogeneration Facility proposed for the 600 block of Walnut Street next to the existing heating plant.

The natural gas-fired plant is being built through a partnership among Madison Gas and Electric, the state and UW–Madison. It would be one of the cleanest-burning plants in the state.

Upon completion in 2005, the 150-megawatt plant will provide electricity for the university and Madison community, and steam heat and chilled water cooling for campus buildings. The PSC’s unanimous approval clears the way for construction to begin later this fall.