CMS Energy (NYSE:CMS) utility subsidiary Consumers Energy broke ground Nov. 1 to start construction of its second wind facility, the Cross Winds Energy Park in Tuscola County, Mich.
Cross Winds is expected to open in late 2014, fulfilling the state of Michigan’s requirement that energy providers generate 10% of their power from renewable sources. The facility will include 62 wind turbines, with a total capacity of 105 MW.
Consumers Energy also opened the 100-MW Lake Winds Energy Park in Mason County last year.
About 150 temporary jobs will be created during Cross Winds construction now and into 2014. Southfield-based Barton Malow is the lead contractor, with several Michigan-based subcontractors and parts suppliers also participating in the project.
The Michigan Public Service Commission approved the Barton Malow contract in September.
GE is supplying the 1.7 MW turbine units for Cross Winds, with 43 turbines scheduled for Akron Township and 19 turbines scheduled for Columbia Township.
Initial construction will focus on building access drives and turbine foundations and will continue in coming months, weather permitting. Turbine construction is scheduled to begin next summer.
Projects must enter construction by the end of 2013 to qualify for the current Production Tax Credit (PTC).
