Consumers Energy Wind Farms Continue to Grow

Consumers Energy has been conducting its own alternative energy projects since 2014. It owns and operates six industrial wind farms in Michigan and Ohio. The company contributes over 1000 Megawatts of power from its wind farm base. In the future, Consumers Energy wind farms will have plans to build up to 200 new turbines to help achieve its goal of 550 megawatts of wind capacity by 2021.

Here is a profile of each of Consumers Power wind farms.

Cross Winds® Energy Park

Operating since 2014, this 111-megawatt wind farm located in Tuscola County was phase I of a multi-year project. Consumers Energy secured more than 51,300 acres of easements in Tuscola County, however, not all of the land parcels were needed for wind turbines. Phase I started with a total of 62 wind turbines – 43 in Akron Township and 19 in Columbia Township.

Cross Winds® Energy Park II

The $90m project of Cross Winds II began in early 2017. It added 19 wind turbines and 44 megawatts of energy production capability. The park utilized GE 2.3-116 wind turbines and became operational in 2018. The unique aspect of this wind farm is that it’s dedicated to servicing the power needs of General Motors. The Flint Metal Center and Flint Engine Operations utilizes Cross Winds Energy Park II for its power needs. The plants produce sheet metal stampings and engines for the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt. The two GM plants employ over 2,000 workers. GM plans to get a fifth of its global facilities on renewable energy by the end of 2018 and all 350 operations by 2050 according to its website.

Cross Winds® Energy Park III

Phase III is set to begin in 2019. The project adds the potential of 76 Megawatts by adding 33 GE 2.3-116 wind turbines. It is targeted to go into operation in 2020.

Cross Winds Energy Park Map

Gratiot Farms Wind Project

Consumers’ next project take us to Mid Michigan in Gratiot County. Located in North Shade and New Haven Townships, the project will build up to 75 wind turbines with a total expected capacity of 150 megawatts once fully in operation.

Consumers Energy acquired the wind energy park from Tradewind Energy. Consumers Energy is expected to take over ownership in May 2019. Then finish the construction of the Gratiot Farms Wind Project when it goes into commercial operation in late 2020.

Gratiot Farms Wind Farm Map

Lake Winds® Energy Park

Mason County is the site of the 100-megawatt (MW) Lake Winds® Energy Park. Utilizing 56 Vestas Turbine each offering 1.8-megawatts.

Mason County was among 19 potential sites in Michigan that Consumers Energy considered The county offers high wind resources and nearby access to available transmission lines.

Lake Winds Energy Park Map

Northwest Ohio Wind Project

Located East of Fort Wayne, Indiana near the Ohio border is the Northwest Ohio Wind Farm. This 100 Megawatt wind project has been dedicated to generating power for General Motors. Once complete, the Consumers Energy wind farm will supply seven GMs manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Indiana with wind energy.

Northwest Ohio Wind Farm Map

Related to Consumers Power Wind Farms

• Michigan Wind Farm Map – The Michigan Wind Farm Map offers current, proposed and deferred or canceled projects in the state of Michigan.
• Michigan Wind 2 – Blissfield Energy led the construction of the Michigan Wind 2 near Minden City. The 50 turbine, 90-megawatt wind project is the first commercial wind project developed by Exelon Wind. It was completed in January 2012.
• DTE Energy Appeals Each Turbine’s Taxes – These actions seem to have caught county commissioners and local tax assessors flat-footed and into a state of “shock and awe” as the large businesses and utility companies aggressively pursue tax relief.
• Wind Farm Remorse – A sad and disheartening story of wind farm regret of three Wisconsin farmer’s experiences with wind developers. The first is a personal narrative of Gary Steinich’s dealing with Florida Power and Light near the Wisconsin Town of Cambria.
• Is Arsenic in Your Well Water – Before you drink another drop of water from your well in the Upper Thumb read this report from Michigan Public Radio. Interactive maps show the Thumb region has the worst in the state for arsenic in well water.