Wolverine announced last week that it has signed another 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Exelon Generation for 153 MW of new wind generation in Michigan’s Thumb region. This PPA propels Wolverine to the top as Michigan’s leader in renewable energy.
The new project, known as Michigan Wind 3, will be built in Sanilac County, not far from the Deerfield wind project located in Huron County in Michigan’s Thumb. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring with a commercial operation date of December 2016.
Eric Baker, Wolverine President and CEO, says that Wolverine is excited about the addition of Michigan Wind 3. “This project positions Wolverine favorably with significant renewable generation,” stated Baker. “When Michigan Wind 3 is complete, Wolverine expects to have more than 350 MW of wind generation in its portfolio, meaning Michigan cooperatives will achieve a 30 percent renewable level.”
Wolverine currently receives approximately 50 MW of energy from the Harvest I wind farm located between Elkton and Pigeon, Michigan. Wolverine will also receive 150 MW from the new Deerfield wind power project located in Huron County, Michigan, when it achieves commercial operation, scheduled for late 2016.
Exelon Generation owns and operates 47 wind projects in ten states comprising 1,500 MW of generation. Six of those wind projects are located in Michigan and have a total capacity of more than 400 MW: Beebe and Beebe 1B Renewable Energy wind projects in Ithaca; Harvest I and Harvest II wind projects in Elkton; Michigan Wind 1 project in Ubly; and Michigan Wind 2 project in Minden City. Exelon is the 12th largest generator of wind energy in the United States.
