New Energy Projects

In July 2023, BWL announced plans to add an additional 650 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to our portfolio over the next ten years to support our clean energy goals and meet future regional growth. To execute this plan, we’ll be completing these projects in multiple phases. We're currently in the first phase of this project, which is outlined below:

DEP Battery
Located at Delta Energy Park
43MW Project
Completion Timeline: 2027
Project Status: Pre-Design
 

Lake Lansing Solar
Located at the corner of Lake Lansing Rd. and Wood Rd.
6MW Project
Completion Timeline: Early 2026
Project Status: Construction

Comfort Solar
Located at Comfort St. and Muskegon Ave.
4MW Project
Completion Timeline: Early 2026
Project Status: Design Phase

DEP Solar
Located at BWL's Delta Energy Park
10MW Project
Completion Timeline: Fall 2026
Project Status: Design Phase

Watertown Solar
Located on Ingersoll Rd. 
10MW Project
Completion Timeline: Fall 2026
Project Status: Design Phase

 

White Tail Solar
Located in Washtenaw County
115MW Project
Completion Timeline: Fall 2025
Project Status: Construction

Moltke Ridge Wind
Located in Presque Isle County
149MW Project
Completion Timeline: Summer 2027
Project Status: Permitting

The clean energy projects will also be complemented by a new 110MW Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE) gas plant on the site of Delta Energy Park for flexible capacity to be completed by 2026, and a possible additional gas plant at a location to be determined later dependent on future load requirements and regional energy regulations. RICE engines are designed to turn on and off quickly to help support any dips in renewable energy production that occur from cloud cover or loss of wind speed. They are not designed to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year like a typical natural gas plant, but instead cycle on and off for short periods when necessary to ensure grid stability and support the electricity provided from intermittent resources like wind and solar. These plants will ensure BWL can provide reliable energy to its customers and to promote the possibility of future economic development growth in the future.

All projects were a result of BWL's All Source Request for Proposals (RFP), which received 96 offers totaling 8,330MW. BWL has committed to meeting state legislative targets, including 50% renewable energy by 2030, as well as being carbon neutral by 2040.

In BWL's nearly 140 year history, this is the largest planned growth the company has seen and ensures we are able to provide customers with reliable and affordable energy for years to come. 

See the full press release here.

Project timeline

Below is a rendering of Delta Energy Park in 2027 once the projects are completed.

rendering of DEP