Consumers Energy Announces Three Solar Projects to Lead Michigan's Clean Energy Transformation
Consumers Energy has announced agreements to add nearly 400 megawatts of clean energy from three solar projects in Michigan, sufficient to power about 190,000 homes. These projects are part of the company's Clean Energy Plan, which aims to eliminate coal power by 2025 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The new solar facilities, expected to begin operations in 2023, include Washtenaw Solar (150 MW), Jackson Solar (125 MW), and Cereal City Solar (100 MW). Consumers Energy plans to add 8,000 MW of solar power by 2040, ensuring energy needs are met sustainably.
- Agreement for almost 400 MW of clean energy, powering 190,000 homes.
- Part of Clean Energy Plan aimed at eliminating coal by 2025 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
- New solar projects expected to begin operations in 2023.
- Plans to add 8,000 MW of solar power by 2040, which is cost-competitive and meets Michigan's energy needs.
- None.
JACKSON, Mich., Nov. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy today announced agreements to add almost 400 megawatts of clean energy – enough to power nearly 190,000 homes -- from three Michigan solar projects in southern central Michigan.
The solar developments are part of the company's Clean Energy Plan to dramatically increase renewable energy, eliminate coal as a fuel source for electricity by 2025 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
"Increasing clean energy for our customers shows our commitment to being a force of change for clean energy that benefits the people of Michigan and protects our planet," said Dennis Dobbs, Consumers Energy's vice president of enterprise project management and environmental services. "Our partners in these projects are helping us transform the energy landscape and create a cleaner energy future for generations to come."
Under the agreements, which are awaiting approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission, Consumers Energy would own and operate one facility, while purchasing power from the other two.
The new solar projects, which would come online in 2023, include:
- The Washtenaw Solar Energy Project, a 150-megawatt project in development to be built by Invenergy before ownership would be transferred to Consumers Energy who will operate the facility near Ann Arbor.
- Jackson Solar, a project developed by National Grid Renewables, from which Consumers Energy would buy 125 MW of electricity for 20 years from the facility, planned for Jackson County near Consumer Energy's headquarters.
- Cereal City Solar, a 100-MW project developed by NextEra. Consumers Energy would buy electricity for 25 years from the facility, planned in Calhoun County near Marshall.
Under its Clean Energy Plan, Consumers Energy has proposed adding 8,000 megawatts of utility-scale solar power by 2040, including 1,100 MW by 2024. The company is using a competitive bidding process to ensure maximum value for customers. In addition to its environmental benefits, solar is increasingly cost competitive and Consumers Energy can add it gradually to meet Michigan's changing energy needs without building a large, new fossil fuel power plant.
Consumers Energy is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumers-energy-announces-three-solar-projects-to-lead-michigans-clean-energy-transformation-301428555.html
SOURCE Consumers Energy
FAQ
What are the new solar projects announced by CMS Energy?
What is the purpose of the Clean Energy Plan by CMS Energy?
When are the new solar projects expected to come online?
How much clean energy will the new projects add to CMS Energy's portfolio?
What is CMS Energy's goal for solar power by 2040?
