JACKSON, MI, Dec. 9, 2024 -- Through its own expansion and partnerships with development companies, farmers, and other stakeholders across the state, Consumers Energy announced renewable energy projects in 2024 that will bring 691 megawatts of clean energy and energy storage online in the coming years. The projects include wind, solar, and renewable natural gas facilities (RNG) as well as battery storage capacity to harness the energy generated. 

“We know that clean energy is the future in Michigan, helping to protect our planet and reduce costs for our customers,” said David Hicks, vice president of renewables development for Consumers Energy. “Not only are these projects necessary to achieving our ambitious clean energy goals, but they represent the future of energy innovation and ensure that Consumers Energy continues its long tradition of deploying cutting-edge technology that provides the most affordable and reliable energy possible to our customers.” 

Consumers has some of the most aggressive clean energy plans in the nation, including bringing 8,000 megawatts of solar online by 2040 and achieving net zero carbon emissions from its electric generation and distribution infrastructure. Projects announced and begun this year bring the company closer to achieving those goals and advancing Consumers Energy’s Reliability Roadmap, the company’s glidepath to building the stronger, smarter grid of the future. 

“The more diverse our energy portfolio, the stronger our grid is,” said Sri Maddipati, vice president of electric supply for Consumers Energy. “Bringing in energy from a variety of sources, particularly clean energy projects, not only helps strengthen the grid but reduces costs for our customers, because we can harness energy that’s free to produce. That’s a win for all.” 

Solar and wind projects announced this year are a mix of Consumers Energy-built and owned projects, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) with companies that develop and sometimes operate the equipment while selling the power the projects generate to Consumers Energy. Beyond leasing agreements with landowners and local municipalities for solar and wind projects, Consumers Energy also worked with farmers to announce construction of multiple RNG facilities across the state following expansion of the company’s MI Clean Air program. 

RNG technology captures methane released by decomposing organic wastes — like the manure from cows on dairy farms — and purifies it, making it safe for customer use and better for the environment. In many cases, RNG is considered carbon negative, as it captures and prevents more emissions than it emits.

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy’s Clean Energy Plan calls for eliminating coal as an energy source in 2025, achieving net-zero carbon emissions and meeting 90 percent of customers’ energy needs through clean sources, including wind and solar. 

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