Consumers Energy Unveils 220-MW Solar Park Plans

• Consumers Energy unveils the Liberty Farms Solar park: a bold step toward a sustainable future, powering 52,000 homes while leading Michigan's renewable energy revolution by 2027!

Consumers Energy announced plans to construct a 220-MW solar park named Liberty Farms Solar in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, aimed at enhancing its renewable energy offerings for residential and commercial customers. The project aligns with the company's Clean Energy Plan, which targets over 8,000 MW of renewable capacity by 2040. The solar park is expected to meet the electricity needs of approximately 52,000 homes annually and is scheduled to begin operations by 2027.

As the largest energy provider in Michigan, Consumers Energy is committed to phasing out coal by 2025 and sourcing 90% of its energy from renewable sources like wind and solar. Currently serving 6.8 million consumers, the company recently started preliminary site work for the 360-MW Sunfish Solar 2 project, anticipated to launch in the second quarter of 2026.

How will Liberty Farms Solar contribute to Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan by 2040?

Liberty Farms Solar is poised to play a significant role in advancing Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan by 2040. Here are some ways this solar park will contribute:

• Increased Renewable Capacity: By adding 220 MW of solar energy, Liberty Farms Solar will be a substantial step towards Consumers Energy's goal of achieving over 8,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2040, helping to diversify their energy sources.
• Support for Local Economy: The construction and operation of the solar park are expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Kalamazoo County, benefiting the local community and supporting a green energy workforce.
• Reduction of Carbon Emissions: By transitioning away from fossil fuels to solar power, Liberty Farms Solar will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly, contributing to Michigan's climate goals and improving air quality.
• Energy Reliability: The addition of solar energy will enhance the reliability of the energy grid, providing a stable power supply for residential and commercial customers and helping to meet peak energy demands.
• Decentralization of Energy Production: By developing solar parks like Liberty Farms, Consumers Energy is promoting a more decentralized energy system, making energy generation closer to where it is consumed. This can reduce transmission losses and increase efficiency.
• Renewable Energy Storage Solutions: Although not directly part of the solar project, the deployment of solar energy infrastructure like Liberty Farms could catalyze investments in energy storage technologies, facilitating the integration of more renewables into the grid.
• Alignment with State Policy Goals: The project aligns with Michigan’s broader energy policies and objectives, which aim for a cleaner energy future and increased reliance on locally sourced renewable energy.
• Customer Participation in Renewable Programs: Liberty Farms Solar could lead to more opportunities for Consumers Energy customers to participate in renewable energy programs such as community solar projects, thereby increasing accessibility to clean energy.
• Educational and Outreach Initiatives: The project could serve as a demonstration site for educational initiatives about renewable energy, showcasing the benefits and technology involved, and fostering community engagement and awareness on sustainability.
• Contribution to State and National Energy Goals: Liberty Farms Solar will contribute to the broader goals of both state and national renewable energy standards, helping to position Michigan as a leader in clean energy transition.

Through these various contributions, Liberty Farms Solar is set to be a cornerstone of Consumers Energy's commitment to sustainable energy practices and greenhouse gas reduction by 2040.