BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Consumers Energy broke ground Thursday on two renewable energy projects in partnership with Spring Creek Farms, launching the state’s first AgriEnergy center northwest of Battle Creek.
The dairy farm will host a renewable natural gas (RNG) biodigester and a 140-megawatt solar array, generating enough energy to power 25,000 homes.
According to David Hicks, vice president of clean energy development for Consumers Energy, “This first-of-its-kind project provides a blueprint not only for other farms, but for the entire state, on how to integrate the clean energy transformation into existing businesses. This project will produce meaningful solar output and significantly reduce emissions, while enabling a local institution to keep its doors open. This is truly a win for everyone.”
Through its partnership with Consumers Energy, Spring Creek Farms is able to stay operational while also reducing emissions and adding significant energy output to the grid. In addition, the development will supply tax revenue for the local community over the 30-plus-year lifetime of the project.
Consumers Energy officials say RNG technology captures methane released by decomposing organic wastes, like the manure from cows on dairy farms, and purifies it, making it safe for customer usage and better for the environment.
Holly Bowers, vice president of gas engineering and supply for Consumers Energy says, “Farmers like Oesch family are truly leading the way in this piece of Michigan’s clean energy transformation, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact the AgriEnergy center will have on their farm and the community.”
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