Consumers Energy has commenced operations at the Muskegon Solar project, helping meet energy needs in the US state of Michigan.

The project is located on 1,900 acres at the Muskegon Resource Recovery Centre and will generate 250MW of electricity, which Consumers Energy states is sufficient to power around 40,000 homes and businesses in the area.

The construction phase of the solar facility created more than 200 construction jobs.

Consumers Energy’s other solar projects include three at Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, and in Cadillac.

The company continues to progress with battery storage, wind, new solar and natural gas initiatives in Michigan.

The Muskegon Solar facility features more than 550,000 panels arranged in 5,200 rows. These panels are designed to rotate and follow the sun’s movement in order to optimise energy production from sunrise until sunset.

Consumers Energy electric supply president Sri Maddipati said: “Consumers Energy is building the electric grid of the future to serve Michigan homes and businesses. Muskegon Solar provides an example of the reliable, cost-effective projects we are creating to make sure we continue to meet our customers' needs.

“We are grateful for the support of Moorland Township and Muskegon County, and are excited to produce more energy here in Michigan for our friends and neighbours.”

The company provides natural gas and electricity services to 6.8 million residents across all 68 Lower Peninsula counties in Michigan.

In January 2024, Consumers Energy commenced operations at Heartland Farms Wind, a 201MW wind farm in Gratiot County, Michigan.

Heartland Farms is the company’s fifth wind farm and features 72 turbines from General Electric.