Consumers Energy seeks approval to buy 140 MW of solar power in Calhoun County

Pushing forward on clean energy plans, Consumers Energy is seeking approval to purchase 140 MW of solar power from the currently under construction Calhoun Solar Center in Michigan’s Calhoun County.

The effort is made possible by an agreement between Consumers and Invenergy, which is developing and building the solar center. In one swoop, the project would become one of the largest single projects providing energy to Consumers customers and supply that energy for 25 years.

“We are proud to team with Invenergy as we continue to create a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Michigan,” said Tim Sparks, vice president of electric grid integration at Consumers Energy. “We are committed to protecting the planet while providing the energy our homes and businesses need for decades to come.”

Calhoun would represent a major advancement in Consumers’ goal to add approximately 1,100 MW of solar through 2024 — a pillar of its Clean Energy Plan. The 140 MW it seeks to purchase from Invenergy would not take up the new facility’s entire offerings. However, it will have a total capacity of 200 MW once it finishes construction in 2022.

“Great progress is being made by Consumers Energy to foster sustainable communities in Michigan, and Invenergy is pleased to support this commitment by providing clean, reliable energy from our Calhoun Solar Center,” Mick Baird, senior vice president of renewable development at Invenergy, said.

To move forward, the plan requires approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission.