MIDDLETON, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Consumers Energy announced its fifth and most recent wind project completion in Michigan after the New Year. 

What is the new project?

Heartland Farms Wind, including 72 turbines, can provide an estimated 201 megawatts of energy.  The energy company estimates that it can power roughly 80,000 homes. 

MORE NEWS: Will Kamala’s Hustle for Michigan’s Black Vote Be Enough to Close the Deal?

“Consumers Energy is starting the new year by continuing to develop clean energy projects that help us protect the planet,” said David Hicks, Consumers Energy’s vice president of clean energy development. “With our final coal plants scheduled to close next year, Heartland Farms Wind continues our work to fulfill our Clean Energy Plan and develop the next generation of energy for Michigan.”

What is the goal of the Clean Energy Plan?

The Clean Energy Plan has the goal of eliminating coal usage and moving to a net-zero carbon emissions in the near future, according to the company. It is also planning to power 1 million Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the communities it serves by 2030. 

“We would like our fleet to be more environmentally friendly while realizing some significant savings from them,” said Sixto Fernandez, Alternative Fuels Manager in our fleet acquisition department. “We believe that partially electrifying our fleet is the one way to accomplish this goal.”

Who developed the project?

Invenergy, an Illinois based energy company, developed and constructed the project according to Consumers Energy, who took ownership after it was finished. 

“Invenergy is proud to complete another clean energy project that supports Consumers Energy’s Clean Energy Plan,” said Erin Kricher, Invenergy’s vice president of development in a statement. “Heartland Farms builds on our successful track record of working with landowners and communities across the state to invest in the clean energy economy through projects that produce reliable power in Michigan.”

The plant only requires the work of 15 Consumers Energy Workers who will operate the new facility from the Gratiot Wind service center in Middleton.