MINNEAPOLIS—Geronimo Energy LLC, a Minneapolis-based subsidiary of London, England-based National Grid Group plc, announced the start of construction activities for two Michigan solar projects whose energy will be purchased by Jackson-based Consumers Energy.
Combined, the Bingham Solar project in Clinton County and the Temperance Solar project in Monroe County will produce 40 megawatts of solar energy, enough to power about 8,000 homes, and offsetting about 50,000 metric tons per year of carbon dioxide emissions.
Both projects are expected to begin operations by the end of this year.
The construction contractor on both projects is Mt. Pleasant-based J. Ranck Electric Inc.
“We look forward to furthering Geronimo’s commitment to the state of Michigan,” stated David Reamer, Geronimo president. “Solar projects like these are not possible without the collective support of customers like Consumers, partners like J. Ranck, and local residents who live in the project communities.”
Said J. Ranck business development director Scott Walker: “With these projects, we’ll put an estimated 120 Michigan construction workers on the job and further J. Ranck Electric’s role in growing our state’s renewable energy infrastructure.”
Geronimo, which has successfully developed more than 2,400 megawatts of wind and solar projects around the United States, has experience in Michigan. It developed the operational Apple Blossom Wind Farm, a 100-megawatt project in Michigan’s Thumb region.
“Apple Blossom, developed by Geronimo Energy, is the largest supplier of PPA (Purchased Power Agreement) wind energy in our portfolio,” said Timothy Sparks, vice president of electric grid integration for Consumers Energy. “We are encouraged to work with Geronimo on these solar projects in Clinton and Monroe counties, which will increase renewable energy in Michigan and build momentum to help us fulfill our Clean Energy Plan. Consumers Energy, along with clean energy developers, are committed to working with our community neighbors to build a cleaner energy future for Michigan.”
More at www.geronimoenergy.com.