The state's first hydroelectric plant was built at Appleton in 1882; many others were built later, especially along the Wisconsin River. Because Wisconsin itself has no coal, oil, or natural gas resources, the state has been active in developing alternative energy resources to increase its energy independence. Biomass energy is being developed for the production of ethanol; and waste wood is being used for utility generation and as fuel in industrial processes. Hydropower is a significant source of electricity generation in the paper industry and for electric utility generation.
In 1999, electric generation (utility and nonutility) totaled 58.5 billion kWh, and total installed generating capacity was 13.1 million kW. Of Wisconsin's power generation in 1999, 70% came from coal, more than 19% from nuclear energy, and the remainder from oil, gas, hydroelectric, and other sources. The state has three nuclear power reactors: Point Beach Units 1 and 2, operated by Wisconsin Electric Power Company; and the Kewaunee plant, operated by the Wisconsin Public Service Co. In 2000 Wisconsin's total per capita energy consumption was 333 million Btu (83.9 million kcal), ranking it 29th among the 50 states.