J. Ranck Electric has started construction on two Michigan solar projects on which Consumers Energy previously executed power purchase agreements (PPA). The Michigan-based EPC was hired by developer Geronimo Energy, and the projects, Bingham Solar and Temperance Solar, are part of the MiSolar Portfolio and are located in Clinton and Monroe counties. Both projects are expected to begin operations by the end of 2020.
“We look forward to furthering Geronimo’s commitment to the state of Michigan,” said David Reamer, president of 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 MWac of 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.
“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,” said Scott Walker, JRE’s business development director. “We could not be more proud and excited to work with Consumers Energy and Geronimo to build these solar projects.”
Geronimo, which 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 of more than 600 MW across the state, ranging from greenfield to advanced developments.
“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,” said Daniel Westerman, president, distributed and 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 has been a pleasure to work with on their Bingham Solar project,” said 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.”
