The photovoltaic farm will replace coal-fired power plants

Consumers Energy intends to construct an 85 MW solar farm at the location of the now-closed Karn 1 and Karn 2 coal-fired power plants in Michigan, USA. These power plants, which had been in operation since 1959, were shut down in June of this year.

The upcoming project is slated for completion by 2026 and is a key component of the company’s plan to boost the proportion of renewable energy sources in its energy mix. Consumers Energy aims to have 50% of its power generation sourced from renewables by the year 2040.

Development of areas of decommissioned coal-fired power plants

Consumers Energy is committed to making productive use of the Karn power plant area. The initial phase of the project involves an 85 MW farm, which is set to expand to 100 MW by the end of the first quarter in 2024. Ultimately, the farm’s capacity will reach an impressive nearly 220 MW, capable of providing electricity to approximately 125,000 households.

This marks a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions and increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the US energy sector. It’s worth noting that Consumers Energy will continue to utilize natural gas and crude oil at the Karn 3 and 4 power plants until 2031.

Support for developers of photovoltaic farms

Developing solar farms in regions historically reliant on coal brings financial advantages for developers. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act provides a 10% credit on investment and production taxes for such initiatives, fostering the growth of new projects and playing a crucial role in the United States’ energy transition.

As per information from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the expenses associated with constructing new solar power facilities in the U.S. decreased by 6% between 2020 and 2021. This decline in costs enhances the profitability of fresh investments for developers, making renewable energy projects increasingly attractive.

Source: pv-tech.org