Michigan-based CMS Energy is adding two planned wind projects totaling 250 MW to its portfolio.
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, has entered into an agreement to own, construct and operate the Gratiot Farms Wind Project, which is currently being developed by Tradewind Energy. Located in North Shade and New Haven townships in Gratiot County, Mich., the project will include up to 75 wind turbines and is expected to have a capacity of up to 150 MW.
A development asset acquisition agreement will be executed, through which Consumers Energy will acquire a development package and then manage the wind farm’s construction. The purchase requires approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission. Tradewind Energy will continue to perform studies, secure permits, acquire real estate and carry out other functions needed to develop the project to the construction stage.
Consumers Energy, expected to assume ownership in May 2019, will also be responsible for operating the project when it goes into commercial operations, planned for 2020.
In addition, CMS Enterprises, another subsidiary of CMS Energy, has signed an agreement to purchase the 105 MW Northwest Ohio Wind project once construction is nearly complete. CMS Enterprises will then finish construction and own and operate the facility going forward. The project is being built by subsidiaries of Starwood Energy Group Global.
Construction is expected to be completed on the 10,000-acre wind energy park this fall. CMS Enterprises has agreed to commit the renewable energy from the Northwest Ohio Wind project to General Motors (GM) as part of a 15-year power purchase agreement.
“CMS Enterprises’ ownership of the Ohio project enhances the long-standing relationship between GM and CMS Energy,” says Rob Threlkeld, head of global renewable energy for GM. “The Ohio project will play a key role in offsetting carbon emissions from seven GM plants in the Midwest and help enable GM to use renewable energy to power 20 percent of our facilities globally, demonstrating GM’s commitment toward meeting our goal of 100 percent renewables by 2050.”
Earlier this year, Consumers Energy announced major clean energy goals, including reducing carbon emissions by 80% and no longer using coal to generate electricity by 2040. This month, Consumers Energy also announced plans to increase renewable energy to 37% by 2030 and 43% by 2040 through additional investments in wind and solar energy.
“CMS Energy is committed to our triple bottom line of people, planet and prosperity, and we are excited to support all three by increasing the renewable energy we supply using wind power,” states Patti Poppe, CMS Energy’s president and CEO. “We are showing it is possible to provide affordable world-class products and service to customers while being responsible corporate citizens.”
