DTE Energy breaks ground on 100 megawatt solar panel project north of Quincy

QUINCY, MI (WTVB) – Even though excavating work already underway, the ceremonial groundbreaking was held Tuesday for a massive solar project north of Quincy.

The 100 megawatt solar panel project spans Coldwater, Quincy, and Butler Townships on leased property east of Fiske Road to Ridge Road, between Jonesville Road to just north of U.S. 12.

Construction of DTE’s Cold Creek Solar Park is funded by Ford Motor Company’s clean energy agreement with DTE Energy, through the MIGreenPower program.

This is the largest purchase from a utility in U.S. history. DTE officials say when complete in 2026, the park will enable Ford to attribute 100% of electricity used in its Michigan assembly plants to carbon-free, renewable energy.

Joe Musallam, vice president of Renewable Energy Sales and Project Development for DTE Energy says the project will also boost the Branch County economy.

Beef farmer Leon Knirk was one of those who leased DTE Energy land for the project, and he hopes at some point it can have a dual purpose.

Coldwater Township Supervisor Don Rogers says DTE Energy agreed to follow the township’s siting and setback rules, which are more stringent than the State of Michigan’s standards, allowing the township to have oversight on the project.