Michigan energy company plans 5 GW of solar next decade

Michigan energy provider Consumers Energy on Wednesday said it plans to add 5 GW of solar energy during the 2020s, together with wind and battery storage.

The intention is part of the company's integrated resource plan (IRP) that it is filing this week with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).

The company, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE:CMS), bets on increased use of efficiency and demand management programmes and renewable energy to meet customers' future needs and says that analysis has shown that this is the best and most affordable way to do so. The plan also includes retiring two old coal-fired units at the Karn Generating Complex -- Karn units 1 and 2 with a capacity of 515 MW -- in 2023 as part of an objective to use no coal by 2040.

Consumers Energy aims to increase its share of renewable energy from 11% now to 37% by 2030 and 43% by 2040.

Demand response, energy efficiency, and grid modernisation tools will become more prominent and help to lower customer energy bills and reduce energy demand 22% by 2040, it said.

"Our vision considers people, the planet and the prosperity of our state and the communities we serve. This IRP will help guide key decisions in the coming years to make us a cleaner, leaner company for the Great Lakes State," commented Consumers Energy and CMS Energy president and chief executive Patti Poppe.

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