Turbines begin operation at DTE Energy's Echo Wind Park
The 70-turbine Echo Wind Park in Huron County will be operational by the end of 2013
PIGEON, Mich., Oct. 23, 2013 -- The first 13 wind turbines at DTE Energy's (NYSE: DTE) Echo Wind Park have been commissioned, with the entire facility set to begin commercial operation by the end of November.
More Headlines
- Case study - Powering Peru with Kseng Solar's Fixed Adjustable Mounting System
- FREYR Battery Closes Transformative Acquisition of Trina Solar's U.S. Manufacturing Assets
- Brenmiller Energy Achieves Significant Project Milestone: On-Track to Save Tempo Beverages $7.5 Million in Energy Costs Using Thermal Energy Storage
- CS Energy Achieves Notable 2 GW Milestone in Operational Solar
- SAVANT Teams with Sunder Energy to Grow Sustainable Power Across the U.S. by Making Solar Smart
The 70-turbine Echo Wind Park in Huron County will be operational by the end of 2013 and add another 112 megawatts (MW) to the DTE Energy's renewable energy portfolio. The wind park, primarily in Oliver and Chandler townships, is sited on nearly 16,000 acres. The Echo Wind Park is the third to be owned and operated by DTE Energy.
The 110-MW Thumb Wind Park reached commercial operation in December 2012. In addition, DTE Energy has an ownership stake in the Gratiot County Wind Park. The Gratiot wind park is a 212.8 MW project. Sixty-four of the turbines are owned by DTE Energy, while 69 turbines are owned by Gratiot Wind LLC, an affiliate of Invenergy Wind LLC. DTE Energy purchases the power from Invenergy's turbines under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
DTE Energy also announced recently it will purchase the energy from the 20-MW Big Turtle Wind Farm, which will cover 2,800 acres in Rubicon Township in Huron County. The Big Turtle Wind Farm, expected to be operational by late 2014, will comprise a minimum of 50 percent Michigan content and feature new technology advanced by Ventower Industries of Monroe and other Michigan suppliers.
The Big Turtle Wind Farm will have 10 2-MW turbines and will be the first wind park in Michigan to incorporate all Ventower towers. The owner, Big Turtle Wind Farm LLC, is a subsidiary of Heritage Sustainable Energy, a Michigan wind energy producer.
The Big Turtle contract is part of DTE Energy's efforts to expand the company's renewable energy resources and meet the state's renewable energy goals. DTE Energy expects to add more than 900 MW, or 10 percent of its power, by 2015. The Big Turtle contract will bring DTE Energy's renewable energy portfolio, with contracts signed or projects in operation, to 9.8 percent.
More information about DTE Energy's renewable energy projects can be found at www.dteenergy.com/renew.
Featured Product
EVERVOLT home battery storage: Dependable power, with or without solar
Whether paired with solar or used independently, the renewable energy stored in an EVERVOLT home battery system serves as a reliable backup against unpredictable utility grid fluctuations and weather-related events. Keep essential appliances running longer and maintain your lifestyle during unforeseen circumstances. Our EVERVOLT battery storage systems are backed by a comprehensive 12-year warranty from Panasonic, including coverage for labor. Learn More about Panasonic EVERVOLT.
