ONALASKA, Wis – Bellin and Gundersen Health System – and the brand it is becoming, Emplify Health – and Xcel Energy have launched a project that will create one of the first 100% resilient and renewable energy healthcare campuses in the United States.
The all-renewable energy microgrid on the health system’s Onalaska Campus will combine a new battery energy storage system with Gundersen’s existing solar panels and energy generated through a longtime partnership with the La Crosse County Landfill for even greater sustainability and resiliency during power grid outages. This project is part of Xcel Energy’s EMPOWER Resiliency program and is expected to be complete in 2026.
“We are a national leader in healthcare sustainability. We are the first health system in the United States to produce more energy that we consume... and we did that 10 years ago,” shares Heather Schimmers, Gundersen Region President for Emplify Health. “This project is an incredible example of Bellin and Gundersen – and Emplify Health’s – commitment to care when people need it and to continued innovation for the people we serve. We are ensuring our great staff can provide care in the event of a power outage and at the same time expanding our investment into sustainability programs. This reduces the cost of care for everyone and helps keep our environment healthy.”
What is a microgrid?
A microgrid is a local electrical grid with defined boundaries, like the Gundersen Onalaska Campus. It can operate connected to the larger energy grid, or “island” and be controlled and function independently.
"Xcel Energy is the first utility in Wisconsin to offer a comprehensive program to support microgrids and other resiliency projects for large business customers and governmental entities who require a higher-than-standard service reliability," says Karl Hoesly, President, Xcel Energy-Wisconsin and Michigan. “Partners like Bellin and Gundersen must have power to maintain operations, especially during unplanned outages. Our EMPOWER Resiliency program allows them to choose resiliency options to best meet their critical needs, while ensuring safety and reliability for patients and staff.”
“Future viability depends on being prepared for change and resilient in the face of it,” shares Bill Farrell, Chair of the Gundersen Envision Board of Directors and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for Bellin and Gundersen Health System. “This project builds on years of innovative sustainability leadership at Bellin and Gundersen – including the creation of Eneration to help others achieve success – and tens of millions of dollars in savings for the people we serve. This microgrid will help fortify one of our largest campuses to allow continuous care and great experience. And it shows the necessity of partnerships for success. This is a big win for our region and for the future of sustainable healthcare.”
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About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. With its Wisconsin headquarters in Eau Claire, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.
About Bellin and Gundersen Health System
Bellin and Gundersen Health System – and the brand they are becoming, Emplify Health – was formed in December 2022 as a not-for-profit, patient-centered, community-focused healthcare network with headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Bellin and Gundersen has nearly 15,000 employees, including more than 1,000 clinicians, in 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. Leading with love and with partners, Bellin and Gundersen strives to lead local, regional, and national healthcare transformation for a future of healthy people and thriving communities. Learn more at bellin.org and gundersenhealth.org. (and emplifyhealth.org)