Latest news with #CleanEnergyPlan
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
All Energy - it was all about grid connection - with huge implications for farmers
The All Energy Conference brought together renewable developers, suppliers, and organisations whose focus is on the delivery of renewable energy. Emphasis was very much on the grid, the challenges around delivering renewable energy and the vast requirement to deliver infrastructure in the coming 5 years to meet the 2030 Clean Energy Plan. There were discussions on grid reform, workforce, material availability and budgets, but concerning that there was no mention of land rights required from farmers and landowners who will be affected. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ian Austin, Davidson & Robertson Director, and Head of Utilities Energy & Infrastructure said 'Ultimately, transmission development is behind where it needs to be, but there is huge political support driving delivery to meet targets and that was very evident at the conference. 'It was stated that the industry now needs twice the level of transmission infrastructure (pylons) that has been created in the past ten years – but it needs to be achieved in just the next 5 years. That is a big target requiring a huge commitment, but there is now political might to see this happen. The government's National Energy System Operator (NESO) has been in place since November, and with a full reform of the grid connection process, is hopeful of getting more deliverable projects approved and progressing at a faster pace. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The NESO Grid Reform Review halted grid applications so they could review and redefine the process to unclog the 700GW backlog of projects and improve procedures. The revised application process is scheduled to reopen in the autumn having gate-checked existing applications to ensure: land right agreements are in place with landowners; the proposed development is fully justified and is required for the delivery of the 2030 Clean Energy Plan; there is progress with planning; and therefore, can demonstrate its requirement for a grid connection. All new applications will be subject to the same checks. Ian Austin D&R Director, Head of Utilities, Energy & Infrastructure 'For many landowners, this does mean there will still be a rush to have contracts concluded with their developer partners. Some developers believe these reforms will give viable projects already in the system, an earlier revised grid connection date that will, in many cases, be determined by delivery of Grid enhancement works. 'The review has also resulted in landowners seeing large-scale Lithium Iron Battery projects being dropped by developers as in many cases, they cannot establish the need given battery storage was so oversupplied to meet the 2030 Clean Energy Plan. 'D&R predicts that summer will see more urgency coming from developers moving at pace to capitalise on the planned reopening of grid applications. Landowners will be faced with a June deadline for agreeing land rights allowing applications to proceed where developers try to hold on to existing grid offers. We are already seeing developers rushing to re-engage on contracts for projects currently on hold or looking to swap projects or introduce new ones. With this in mind and the requirement for even more transmission and distribution infrastructure, our key message to landowners is crucial: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'For farmers and landowners faced with infrastructure project crossing their land, it is more important than ever, to take professional advice from Agents who have significant years of experience in this sector. Above all, do not sign anything until you are fully aware of your rights and options, and be aware that in most cases, utility companies and developers will reimburse reasonable professional costs as part of your compensation or as part of a commercial deal.' SSEN has already committed a £22 billion transmission line investment in Scotland alone by 2030. For the first time, the conference debate extended beyond transmission lines and pylons, taking a wider view considering the distribution of energy to the wider networks (pole lines). During one seminar, Tom Hughes, Assistant Director of Energy, National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority estimated that £37 - £50 billion spend will be required for new distribution works – that is on top of existing pole repair and renewal budgets. For landowners, distribution infrastructure has a huge impact as it affects a significantly greater number of landowners. Commenting on other key highlights that could affect landowners, Ian Austin said 'As technology advances, hydropower may become more of an option for landowners. High-density 'heavy water' is 2.5 times denser than water, meaning that where a hydro project typically needed 500 metres of fall, in the future only 200 metres may be sufficient. It could open up the option for more landowners to consider. Agreements will need to consider issues arising from leaks and any resulting liability for damage to waterways. 'There was strong debate between the District Network Operators (DNOs) and NESO on the possibility of introducing zonal pricing where need/availability is taken into account. The DNOs (SSEN and SSE) were firmly against this, citing uncertainty and investment risk and threatening project viability. NESO, however, argue the opposite saying it created opportunities-focused development where is required and can facilitated. For farmers, the only opportunity from this would be battery storage, with some battery developers in D&R's experience making the same argument. The future will likely see lithium batteries superseded by technological advances which include looking at liquid flow batteries and compressed air flywheels. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The UK operates 10GW onshore wind with 1GW in construction and a strong pipeline of future projects strengthened by lifting the wind ban in England which will be good news for farmers south of the border looking at wind farm opportunities. A total of 27-29 GW of onshore wind is needed to meet UK 2030 goals, so developers are hugely keen to acquire sites and agree terms to make a grid application. 'Solar too will continue to see an increased demand currently generating circa 20GW electricity with a 2030 target of 60GW. 'Demand for materials outstrips supply and there is a severe shortage of skilled people employed and coming into the industry due to a lack of training, knowledge, and awareness of the sector. It was commented that this is not helped by the fact that there are no courses tailored to match industry needs. '95% of our current energy use is low carbon, and in 2025, the aim is to achieve 100% low carbon energy for at least a few hours – an achievement that is on target and demonstrates the political will to make things happen.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The next NESO plan will provide energy guidelines for 2030 – 35 and is set to be even more ambitious because it must take into account the population increase and rising energy requirements. This is due to be published in Q4 2026. In summary, Ian Austin said, 'Overall, D&R believes there appears to be a lack of appreciation from some of the key decision makers within SPEN, SSEN, NESO and developers, in terms of consents by landowners and how the transition to clean powers will affect them. The reality is that, right across the UK, more landowners than ever before will be faced with approved infrastructure projects on their land.'
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consumers Energy, Michigan State University Celebrate Partnership to Power Next Generation of Graduates
Foundation Provides $250,000 for MSU Residential Engineering Program EAST LANSING, Mich., April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy and Michigan State University are celebrating a partnership and $250,000 in financial support that is powering the next generation of college graduates to stay and work in Michigan. Officials with Michigan State University and Consumers Energy today recognized the Consumers Energy Foundation's support for the College of Engineering with a ceremony in the redesigned second-floor lobby of MSU's East Wilson Hall. The building offers living and classroom space for students in the College of Engineering's Cornerstone and Residential Experience (CoRe) program. "We're thrilled to work with our friends at Michigan State University to create opportunities for today's students in tomorrow's high-skill and high-demand fields," said Chris Fultz, Consumers Energy's vice president of natural gas operations. "Our relationship has paved the way for many MSU graduates to work in exciting, meaningful professions with Consumers Energy and other world-class companies across Michigan." "We're grateful for the continued and generous partnership of Consumers Energy as Michigan State trains the workforce of today and tomorrow," said Michigan State President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. "Our CoRe program is a key asset for the success of our engineering students, and this gift is one of many ways Consumers Energy supports the university and our students." Consumers Energy's support for the College of Engineering and Wilson Hall dates back to 2009, when its foundation made a $150,000 contribution. The foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy helping local communities grow and thrive. The Consumers Energy Foundation invests in three key areas crucial to all of us in the Great Lakes State -- our people, our planet and our prosperity. The money has supported CoRe, an integrated first-year engineering academic program and living-learning community that works to "build the whole engineer," with access to a suite of co-curricular and support activities, such as presentations and seminars, corporate tours, tutoring, academic advising, and social events. Officials from Consumers Energy interact with Michigan State students throughout the year, making them aware of professional opportunities and encouraging them to learn more about the energy industry. Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan calls for eliminating coal as an energy source in 2025, achieving net-zero carbon emissions and meeting 90% of customers' energy needs through clean sources, including wind and solar. Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for 170 years. One of the world's leading public research universities, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery to make a better, safer, healthier world for all while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 400 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges. The College of Engineering is among the university's founding disciplines and one of the largest academic units. Media Contacts:Consumers Energy: Brian Wheeler, 517-740-1545, Michigan State University: Emilie Lorditch, 517-355-4082, lorditch@ For more information about Consumers Energy, go to For more information about Michigan State University, go to Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: Instagram: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consumers Energy Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consumers has the final say about retiring Campbell, but Ottawa County is worried
OTTAWA COUNTY — In general, members of the GOP don't believe in telling businesses how to operate. But a steadfast group of officials and residents in Ottawa County aren't afraid to be vocally unhappy about it. 'An overwhelming majority of Ottawa County does not want the Campbell Plant to be closed in 2025,' said Jenison resident Joseph McCarter during a meeting of Ottawa County Planning and Policy Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Though he didn't cite statistics, McCarter doesn't speak alone. An effort to "Save the Campbell" in Ottawa County, started by McCarter, has been underway since Consumers Energy announced the facility in Port Sheldon Township was slated for an early 2025 retirement in 2021. Initially, at least one portion of the plant was meant to stay online until 2040. More: What's the future for Campbell Power Plant? Consumers announces 20-year partnership More: 'Save the Campbell' is about far more than utilities — here's why McCarter is also joined by local officials in his concerns. 'It's voluntary for the Campbell Plant to be closing (this) early,' said Commissioner Allison Miedema. 'That was a voluntary decision. This wasn't a mandate that was put on them.' The decision was instead spurred by Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan, which calls for eliminating coal as an energy source in 2025. The plan was released in the wake of state law requiring Michigan to produce 100% of its energy from clean sources by 2040. The J.H. Campbell Plant began operations in 1962, generating nearly 1,500 megawatts of electricity on a 2,000-acre property. The plant closure will mark the end of Consumers' electricity generation from coal. Retirement and restoration of the property is expected to begin later this year, and last until 2030. Work includes the removal of coal residuals, backfilling the cold pile with clean fill, ash remediation with Ashcor, removal of warm water discharge pipe and relocation of multiple bird boxes. The west side of the property will be available for reconstruction sooner than the east side, thanks to ash remediation. It also includes a public access point open April 15-Oct. 15, which will continue to be maintained by Consumers until 2069. Port Sheldon is already grappling with how the loss of such a large taxpayer will impact the municipality. In partnership with McKenna, local officials have engaged with residents on future plans for the site, with a "final" vision expected soon. Under the original plan from Consumers, only two of three units at the Campbell Plant would shutter in 2025. The third was meant to remain operational until 2040. According to Dena Isabel, a representative who spoke Tuesday, that plan just wasn't economical. 'It doesn't make sense to run Unit Three without One and Two,' she said. 'We decided we were going to retire all three units.' Miedema estimated 90% of residents in Ottawa County would be supportive of a delay in closing the plant, though she, too, didn't cite statistics. She said State Sen. Roger Victory supports keeping Unit Three running until 2045. Isabel clarified that customers won't see a change in service after the facility's retirement. That's because, she said, renewable energy sources will be added to the grid, which are cheaper to run. In the end, keeping the plant open would increase rates, she said, because customers are paying for excess generation they don't use. 'So, it's cheaper to eliminate this plant and build 8,000 megawatts of solar (energy) than to keep an existing, already built plant?' Commissioner Jordan Jorritsma asked. Jorritsma is worried about where, exactly, solar panels might be placed. Under new state law, Michigan has the power to override local authorities in placing a renewable energy source on suitable land, under certain conditions. The existing 2,000 acres on which the Campbell Plant sits aren't suitable for solar energy, according to Isabel. 'We look for flat, open spaces,' Isabel said. 'Farmland,' Jorritsma countered. Commissioners are worried about energy demand and grid stability without the Campbell Plant, which operates on the Midcontinent Independent System Operator. MISO is responsible for power across 15 states and one Canadian Province. In 2024, 26% of the authority's energy came from coal. According to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, MISO is listed as "high risk," meaning shortfalls to the energy supply can occur at normal peak conditions. That's the worst ranking on NERC's Risk Area Summary for 2025-2029 — and MISO is the only grid that's earned it. 'The only way the lights can come on is if there's enough power into the grid serving our area collectively,' said Commissioner Josh Brugger. '... I don't like coal. I think there ... are other options, green energy, natural gas — but at the same time, we've got business, we've got industry, we've got residents all throughout the grid that need that power.' 'I understand you guys are a business. It's a for-profit thing. I'm not big on the government telling you what you can and can't do with your business. I would just ask on behalf of everybody on the MISO grid to stay online longer.' Committee Chair Phil Kuyers moved to continue discussions during the next full board meeting Tuesday, Feb. 25. — Cassidey Kavathas is the politics and court reporter at The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at ckavathas@ Follow her on Twitter @cassideykava. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Pleas to 'Save the Campbell' continue from Ottawa County Board
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consumers Energy Announces Kalamazoo County Solar Project to Power 52,000 Homes with Renewable Energy
Liberty Farms Solar affirms Consumers Energy's commitment to clean, reliable, and affordable energy while creating jobs and bettering local economies KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich., Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy has announced plans for a utility-scale solar project to be constructed in Kalamazoo County near Richland Township that would bring 220 Megawatts (MW) of renewable energy online by 2027. Work on the project is expected to begin in 2026. As part of Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan, which aims to add over 8,000MW of renewable energy by 2040, the project is a significant step in the company's commitment to protecting the environment while creating jobs and bettering the local economy. Liberty Farms Solar is expected to generate enough electricity to power 52,000 homes a year. Renewable energy from the project will supply Consumers Energy's commercial and residential customers enrolled in its voluntary Renewable Energy Program. For those committed to spearheading Michigan's clean energy revolution and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come, Consumers Energy invites you to join its Renewable Energy Program. "In addition to its environmental benefits, solar is cost competitive and provides reliable energy without the use of fossil fuel plants," said David Hicks, Consumers Energy's vice president of clean energy development. Consumers Energy works closely with local leaders interested in siting solar power plants that can deliver environmental and economic benefits for their communities. "We appreciate Consumers Energy's desire to work with us locally instead of seeking approval directly from the State," said Bear Priest, Richland Township supervisor. "It's important that we work together to develop a project that best fits Richland Township." Richland Township will benefit from local, county and school district personal property taxes each year from the Consumers Energy investment, totaling millions of dollars over the 30-plus-year lifetime of the project. Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan calls for eliminating coal as an energy source in 2025, achieving net-zero carbon emissions and meeting 90% of customers' energy needs through clean sources, including wind and solar. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: Instagram: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consumers Energy
