Jan 28 2010
The commercial operation of a wind farm was commenced by Detroit Edison and Heritage Sustainable Energy, a Michigan-based wind power company. The power generated from the wind farm is enough to power about 2,000 homes of the utility’s customers.
This wind farm is the first renewable energy facility to be constructed in the state of Michigan under its energy reform law. As per the law, by the year 2015, the utility’s total wind power generation should have 10% from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Detroit Edison had signed a 20-year power purchase agreement to buy wind power and renewable energy credits from Heritage Sustainable Energy.
Anthony F. Earley, chairman and CEO of DTE Energy, the parent company of Detroit Edison, said that the company is focused on generating energy from cost-effective sources.
As per the terms of the agreement with Detroit Edison, Heritage Sustainable Energy has installed seven large-scale wind turbines at a 2,000-acre wind farm. The wind turbines measures 403 feet from ground to the tip of the upright blade. The wind turbines are capable of generating about 14 MW of renewable energy. At time of construction, the project provided employment to 100 people. At present, the wind farm is generating 19 MW from nine wind turbines.
Marty Lagina, chairman of Heritage Sustainable Energy, said that the agreement with Detroit Edison has enabled the company not only to develop its business but also to provide an opportunity for the residents of Michigan to reduce their carbon footprint.
Source: http://www.dteenergy.com