MINNEAPOLIS, June 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Geronimo
Energy (Geronimo), a National Grid company, announced today the
start of construction activities for two Michigan solar projects for which Consumers
Energy (Consumers) previously executed Power Purchase Agreements
(PPA). The projects, Bingham Solar
(Bingham) and Temperance Solar (Temperance), are part of a solar
portfolio called MiSolar Portfolio and are located in Clinton and Monroe counties, respectively. Both projects
are expected to begin operations by the end of this year. Geronimo
has contracted with Michigan-based
Engineering, Construction, and Procurement (EPC) contractor, J.
Ranck Electric, Inc. (JRE), to construct the projects.
"We look forward to furthering Geronimo's commitment to the
state of Michigan," stated
David Reamer, President for Geronimo
Energy. "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.
Together with these key stakeholders, we are excited to start
construction and begin to provide the associated local benefits to
the people in the great state of Michigan, such as new tax revenue, in-state
spending, and job creation."
Combined, the projects will produce 40 megawatts (MW)
alternating current of clean, solar energy and will power an
estimated 8,000 Michigan homes.
Together with its affiliated entities, Geronimo Energy will own and
operate both solar projects, and Consumers Energy will purchase the
energy they produce. Using the United
States' Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) greenhouse
gas equivalencies calculator, the combined projects are estimated
to offset carbon dioxide emissions by 50,000 metric tons
annually.
"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," JRE's
Business Development Director Scott
Walker said. "We could not be more proud and excited to work
with Consumers Energy and Geronimo to build these solar
projects."
Geronimo, which has successfully developed over 2,400 MW of wind
and solar projects across the nation that are currently under
construction or in operation, has a long history in the state of
Michigan. Geronimo developed the
operational Apple Blossom Wind Farm, a 100 MW project in
Michigan's thumb region, and has a
broad development pipeline of renewable energy projects across the
state, ranging from greenfield to advanced developments, in excess
of 600 MW.
"Apple Blossom, developed by Geronimo Energy, is the largest
supplier of PPA wind energy in our portfolio. 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," said
Timothy Sparks, Vice President of
Electric Grid Integration for Consumers Energy. "Consumers Energy
along with clean energy developers are committed to working with
our community neighbors to build a cleaner energy future for
Michigan."
"National Grid and Geronimo have a strong commitment to our
communities, and we are excited to begin construction and bring the
economic benefits of solar energy to Clinton and Monroe Counties," stated Daniel Westerman, President, Distributed &
Renewable Energy for National Grid. "The well-being of our
employees, partners and community members is one of our many core
values - and bringing low-cost, clean energy to the state of
Michigan, while simultaneously
providing local economic development to these project host
communities, directly aligns with that principle."
Geronimo was founded with deep roots in agriculture and an
understanding and respect for farming practices. As such, Geronimo
develops each of its projects with the goal that they will benefit
the local area for generations to come. Geronimo is committed to
providing each of its project host communities with the best
information possible, prompt responsiveness, and expert
advice. As a farmer-friendly company, community outreach is an
important aspect of Geronimo's process.
"Geronimo has been a pleasure to work with on their Bingham Solar project," indicated Doug Riley, Clinton County Community Development
Director. "They worked very cooperatively with the County
throughout the permitting process to address our requirements and
the needs of the local community. We certainly look forward
to the completion of this key renewable energy project next
year."
"Geronimo worked closely with Erie
Township on their application for the development of the
Temperance Solar Project," commented Michael Demski, Township Building/Zoning
Department Official for Erie
Township. "We were pleased to work with a company that truly
cares about the project's host community and communicated openly
throughout the entire planning and approval process."
About Geronimo Energy
Geronimo Energy, a National Grid
(NYSE: NGG) company, is a leading North American renewable energy
development company based in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, with satellite offices located throughout
multiple states in the regions where it develops, constructs, and
operates. As a farmer-friendly and community driven company,
Geronimo develops projects for corporations and utilities that seek
to repower America's grid by reigniting local economies and
reinvesting in a sustainable future. Geronimo has developed over
2,400 megawatts of wind and solar projects that are either
operational or currently under construction, resulting in an
investment of over $4 billion in
critical energy infrastructure and the revitalization of rural
economies. Geronimo has a vast development pipeline of wind and
solar projects in various stages of development throughout
the United States. Please visit
www.geronimoenergy.com to learn more.
Contact:
|
Lindsay T.
Smith
|
|
Geronimo
Energy
|
|
8400 Normandale Lake
Boulevard
|
|
Suite 1200
|
|
Bloomington, MN
55437
|
|
952.358.5672,
lindsay@geronimoenergy.com
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SOURCE Geronimo Energy