JACKSON, MI (WTVB) – Consumers Energy has announced they want to work with landowners and communities to identify locations for utility-scale solar power plants that they say will provide clean, renewable electricity to Michigan for decades to come.
If approved by regulators, Consumers Energy plans a massive expansion to add 8,000 megawatts of utility-scale solar energy by 2040, when more than 60 percent of its electric capacity will come from renewable sources and the utility is looking for tens of thousands of acres throughout Michigan.
According to a news release issued by Consumers Energy, they have already begun adding 1,100 megawatts of solar capacity to come online by 2024.
It plans to own 50 percent of this additional solar capacity and purchase the remaining half from solar developers.
According to the utility, ideal project sites for solar power plants are about 500 to 900 acres and are often comprised of multiple, neighboring landowners.
Potential locations include farm fields, brownfield sites and publicly owned properties.
Thanks to solar ebergy, Consumer’s says their proposed Clean Energy Plan would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 63 million tons which would be the equivalent of removing 12.4 million passenger vehicles from the road for one year.
Participating landowners may sell Consumer’s their property or create an ongoing revenue source by entering into long-term easement agreements.
Large landowners or community officials who want to learn more about potential for siting can visit ConsumersEnergy.com/misolar to provide basic details about their property and begin a discussion with company solar experts.
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