385 MW Isabella Wind to Serve DTE’s Commercial and Industrial Customers
CHARLOTTESVILLE : Apex Clean Energy today announced that its proposed sale of the Isabella Wind I and II projects to DTE Energy, Michigan’s leading producer of renewable energy, has been conditionally* approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The two projects, totaling 385 MW and located in mid-Michigan’s Isabella County, will be the largest clean energy projects in the state as well as the largest renewable energy projects in DTE’s portfolio when they begin commercial operations in 2020. Apex will start construction on the projects later this year, and DTE will assume ownership and operation upon substantial completion, which is slated for the fourth quarter of 2020.
“The commitment and support of local residents and the leadership of Isabella County are the key drivers in making the Isabella Wind projects a reality,” said Mark Goodwin, Apex Clean Energy president and CEO. “In turn, these projects will support and strengthen the region while accelerating Michigan’s transition to a clean energy economy. Apex is proud to partner with DTE to deliver the many benefits of clean energy to its customers in the Great Lakes State.”
DTE will use the Isabella Wind projects to meet the renewable energy needs of large commercial and industrial customers who have enrolled in MIGreenPower, the company’s voluntary renewable energy program. Ford, General Motors, and the University of Michigan were the first large customers to join the program after it was approved by the MPSC in January 2019.
“Adding Isabella I and Isabella II to DTE’s generation portfolio will help us accelerate Michigan’s transition to cleaner energy and reduce carbon emissions at least 80% by 2040,” said Irene Dimitry, vice president of business planning and development for DTE Energy. “We are excited to now have MPSC approval to move forward with this purchase and look forward to bringing these projects online late next year.”
The Isabella Wind projects will be powered by 136 wind turbines supplied by GE Renewable Energy, a leading global wind turbine manufacturer.
“We are proud to be part of the Isabella Wind projects,” said Vikas Anand, CEO for GE Renewable Energy’s Onshore Wind Americas. “GE is excited to work with Apex and DTE on this exciting endeavor and bring its GE 2.82-127 wind turbine to Michigan for the first time with these projects.”
The Isabella Wind projects will generate approximately $30 million in tax revenue for the local community, $100 million in landowner payments over the lifetime of the project, more than 300 jobs during construction, up to 20 long-term operations and maintenance positions, and enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 86,000 average U.S. homes. The projects will also displace nearly 700,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, according to the EPA’s AVERT tool.
* From the Commission: “Since the Commission made changes to DTE’s renewable energy plan, the company has 14 days to indicate whether it supports the changes. If the company does not agree, the Commission’s approval of parts of the plan are voided and DTE must file a revised renewable energy plan by Nov. 1.”
About Apex Clean Energy
Apex Clean Energy develops, constructs, and operates utility-scale wind and solar power facilities across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 200 renewable energy experts uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information on how Apex is leading the transition to a clean energy future, visit apexcleanenergy.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
About DTE Energy
DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, renewable natural gas, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE will reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80% by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com.
About GE Renewable Energy
GE Renewable Energy is a $15 billion business which combines one of the broadest portfolios in the renewable energy industry to provide end-to-end solutions for our customers demanding reliable and affordable green power. Combining onshore and offshore wind, blades, hydro, storage, utility-scale solar, and grid solutions as well as hybrid renewables and digital services offerings, GE Renewable Energy has installed more than 400+ gigawatts of clean renewable energy and equipped more than 90 percent of utilities worldwide with its grid solutions. With nearly 40,000 employees present in more than 80 countries, GE Renewable Energy creates value for customers seeking to power the world with affordable, reliable and sustainable green electrons.
