Exelon Wind’s Michigan Wind 2 Project, located in Minden City, Mich., has completed construction and has entered into commercial operation. The 50 turbine, 90 megawatt (MW) wind project is the first commercial wind project developed by Exelon Wind.
“We’re excited to bring Michigan Wind 2 online,” said David Drescher, Vice President Wind Energy for Exelon Power. “The clean generation from this project will help Michigan meet its renewable energy goals, it will provide clean energy for over 30,000 homes and brings significant economic benefits to the local community,” added Drescher. Over the first 20 years, Michigan Wind 2 will generate over $12 million of revenue to the area through local tax payments.
The completion of Michigan Wind 2 brings Exelon Wind’s total generation in Michigan to 212 MWs, maintaining Exelon Wind as the largest wind operator in the state by MWs generated. The project is located southeast of the already operational 46 turbine Michigan Wind 1 project in northern Sanilac and Huron counties. Exelon Wind also operates Harvest I Wind in Elkton, Mich. In early 2012, Exelon Wind will begin construction on Harvest II Wind, a 59.4 MW project in nearby Pigeon, Mich.
Exelon Wind is a division of Exelon Power, which owns and operates Exelon’s renewable, hydroelectric and fossil power plants. Consumers Energy, based in Jackson, Mich., is purchasing the output from Michigan Wind 2 through a 20-year renewable energy purchase agreement.