Consumers Energy aims to wipe out coal use, reach 80 percent carbon emissions reduction by 2040

Consumers Energy of Michigan has laid out an ambitious new energy plan, aiming to not only to move to greater amounts of renewable sources and energy storage by 2040 but to reduce carbon emissions by 80 and eliminate coal use entirely.

The company pointed to their efforts in the past five years as proof of concept–the beginning of a continued transformation to cleaner fuel sources. They also spoke in broad strokes, noting these efforts as part of a stand for both the planet and for Michigan. Part of that includes a five-year environmental goal that calls for saving 1 billion gallons of water, a 35 percent reduction of waste going to landfills and the enhancement, protection or restoration of 5,000 acres of Michigan land.

“Our actions speak louder than words and we have a track record of doing more than is required,” Patti Pope, president and CEO of Consumers Energy and CMS Energy, said. “Our actions to date have reduced our carbon intensity by 38 percent, reduced our water usage by 35 percent and avoided over one million cubic yards of landfill disposal. We are still not satisfied. The goals announced today represent our further commitment to leave Michigan far better than we found it, because we live here, too.”

While the specific roadmap for reaching their enthusiastic 2040 goals will be published later this year, during filing of its Integrated Resource Plan, several elements can be seen reflected in past work. The company started moving away from coal two years ago when it closed seven of its 12 coal-fired generating plants. Last year it created a program that would allow large job-providing companies to generate 100 percent of their energy with renewable sources. They have also been investing heavily in new wind energy parks.