The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians—also known as Mashkiiziibii—plans to build a 5 MW solar photovoltaic (solar PV) array and an 8 MWh battery energy storage system to connect with existing diesel and natural gas generation. This combination would form a hybrid minigrid that would power the reservation’s Odanah, Aspen Acres, Franks Field, and Birch Hill communities.

Located along the shores of Lake Superior, residents of the Bad River Reservation experience harsh winter weather, extreme storms, and flooding known to cause power outages. The implementation of a hybrid minigrid would increase the Tribe’s energy resilience and reliability, while moving them closer to energy sovereignty. This project aims to help the Mashkiiziibii reach its goal of carbon free emissions with 100% renewable electricity generation by 2027 and provide a model for replication in other tribes and rural communities.

As part of its Community Benefits Plan, the Bad River Band Tribe plans to partner with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to support a one-year Renewable Energy Certificate program, delivering participants into the clean energy workforce or a 4-year science and engineering degree. The Mashkiiziibii Minigrid project plans to work to meet with the community, create quality jobs, and offer workforce development opportunities.