Consumers Energy partners with Muskegon County for 250 MW solar facility in Michigan

Beginning in April, Consumers Energy of Michigan, the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center, and Moorland Township will work together to build the former’s first large-scale solar project: the 250 MW Muskegon Solar Energy Center.

This facility will dole out enough power to provide for approximately 40,000 homes, and should be operational as of 2026. It’s also a major step for Consumers Energy’s 8,000 MW of solar by 2040 goal. By partnering, Consumers gained access to approximately 1,900 acres of land within the Resource Recovery Center’s footprint. The Resource Recovery Center is a wastewater treatment and farm facility that has been in place for 50 years.

“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,” David Hicks, Consumers Energy vice president of clean energy development, said. “Partnering with an organization like the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center, with its long history of service to the county, combined with the benefits of solar energy and the revenues this agreement can provide, is truly a win-win for all parties.”

Under the arrangement, Consumers will own and operate the project, although the land beneath it will be leased from the center. This will in turn generate ongoing revenue for the center and for Moorland Township.

“This solar farm fulfills the vision of the Muskegon County Commissioners,” Dave Johnson, director of the Resource Recovery Center, said. “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 ― it’s something we’re proud of and thankful for.”