ESSEXVILLE — Michigan’s progress on cleaner air is making a big jump forward as Consumers Energy completes a $250 million technology upgrade at the Karn/Weadock complex, its largest power plant.
“We’re cleaning Michigan’s air, putting people to work, and providing reliable energy for customers,” said Dennis Dobbs, Consumers Energy’s vice president of generation engineering and services. “As part of our commitment to Pure Michigan Business Connect to strengthen our state’s economy, this project has averaged 200 building trades jobs during construction.”
Moran Iron Works, Barton Malow and Conti Electric are examples of local and Michigan contractors supporting clean air work at Karn/Weadock.
The project puts Consumers Energy ahead of schedule in meeting clean air standards for mercury and air toxins by April 16 for the Karn plant, which accounts for about 25 percent of the energy generated by the company.
Consumers Energy is using a proven spray dry absorption technology that is highly reliable and cost effective in meeting the new clean air standards. The project is expected to remove 95 percent of sulfur dioxide and other acid gases from flue emissions at the plant.
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.5 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
More at www.ConsumersEnergy.com.