Consumers Energy announced operations have commenced at the Heartland Wind Farm in Gratiot County and is producing energy for homes and businesses across Michigan.
The 201 MW wind farm – the company’s fifth wind project – features 72 turbines that are capable of providing power to nearly 80,000 homes. The project was developed and built by Invenergy and represents a $358 million investment in the state’s clean energy infrastructure.
“Consumers Energy is starting the new year by continuing to develop clean energy projects that help us protect the planet,” said Consumers Energy Vice President of Clean Energy Development, David Hicks. “With our final coal plants scheduled to close next year, Heartland Farms Wind continues our work to fulfill our Clean Energy Plan and develop the next generation of energy for Michigan.”
The Heartland Wind Farm joins the company’s four other wind farms – Lake Winds Energy Park in Mason County, Cross Winds Energy Park in Tuscola County, Gratiot Farms Wind in Gratiot County, and Crescent Wind in Hillsdale County.
Combined, the five projects are capable of producing enough clean energy to power nearly 330,000 households.
In total, these projects will help progress Consumers Energy’s Clean Energy Plan, which will eliminate coal as an energy source and meet 90% of customers’ energy needs through clean energy sources.