Consumers Energy has announced plans for a utility-scale solar project to be constructed in Kalamazoo County near Richland Township that would bring 220 Megawatts (MW) of renewable energy online by 2027. Work on the project is expected to begin in 2026. As part of Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan, which aims to add over 8,000MW of renewable energy by 2040, the project is a significant step in the company's commitment to protecting the environment while creating jobs and bettering the local economy.
Liberty Farms Solar is expected to generate enough electricity to power 52,000 homes a year. Renewable energy from the project will supply Consumers Energy's commercial and residential customers enrolled in its voluntary Renewable Energy Program. For those committed to spearheading Michigan's clean energy revolution and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come, Consumers Energy invites you to join its Renewable Energy Program.
"In addition to its environmental benefits, solar is cost competitive and provides reliable energy without the use of fossil fuel plants," said David Hicks, Consumers Energy's vice president of clean energy development.
Consumers Energy works closely with local leaders interested in siting solar power plants that can deliver environmental and economic benefits for their communities.
"We appreciate Consumers Energy's desire to work with us locally instead of seeking approval directly from the State," said Bear Priest, Richland Township supervisor. "It's important that we work together to develop a project that best fits Richland Township."
Richland Township will benefit from local, county and school district personal property taxes each year from the Consumers Energy investment, totaling millions of dollars over the 30-plus-year lifetime of the project.
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% of customers' energy needs through clean sources, including wind and solar.
For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.
