In a significant stride towards cleaner energy, Consumers Energy has announced the construction of a large-scale solar project in Muskegon County, poised to capture solar energy to power around 40,000 homes. The Muskegon Solar Energy Center, an ambitious 250-megawatt facility, will be sited on approximately 1,900 acres of land through a partnership with the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center. This initiative aims to bolster the renewable energy profile of the county and the state, with construction scheduled to commence next month and completion expected by 2026.
According to a WZZM13 report, David Hicks, Consumers Energy's vice president of clean energy development, stated, "Consumers Energy has some of the most aggressive clean energy goals in the nation, and projects like this are a critical part of achieving those goals." The collaboration with the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center, a respected institution committed to service, aims to create a mutually beneficial situation not only to swiftly meet but to also surpass these green initiatives. The partnership additionally promises to yield considerable revenue for local stakeholders.
Touting the Muskegon Solar Energy Center as Consumers Energy's inaugural venture into large-scale solar projects, this move is part of a broader plan to add 8,000 megawatts of solar to their portfolio by 2040. As reported by WOODTV, this solar endeavor is set to be one of Michigan's most significant, aligning with the MI Healthy Climate Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Aiming to completely phase out coal by 2025, Consumers Energy plans to emerge as one of the nation's first utility companies to do so, steadily moving towards sourcing a minimum of 90% of power from clean and renewable energy sources.
This new infrastructure not only dazzles with its energy output but also with its design to mitigate impact on the local environment. "Solar panels are installed to reduce visible glare, and the panels do not make noise," says Consumers Energy, emphasizing the unobtrusive nature of the facility. As Crain's Grand Rapids outlines, the location within the Resource Recovery Center's extensive 11,000-acre footprint is strategic, chosen in partnership with Moorland Township for its proximity to a substation, making it a seamless extension to the current infrastructure. "This solar farm fulfills the vision of the Muskegon County Commissioners. “It will benefit the users of the Muskegon County wastewater system as well as Moorland Township and the Ravenna School District. The solar project seems like a good fit â it’s something we’re proud of and thankful for.” Dave Johnson, director of the Resource Recovery Center, told the publication.
Details about the project's long-term impacts and further insights into the Muskegon Solar Energy Center are available for the public.
