In the latest development in alternative energy production in Michigan, Gov. Jennifer Granholm has announced a major agreement using Saginaw-made wind turbines.
While the utility-scale wind turbines will be supplied by
Merrill Technologies and built in Saginaw by
Northern Power Systems, the agreement brings in participants from all over the state.
Consumers Energy and Traverse City-based Heritage Sustainable Energy have signed the agreement, and the turbines will head up to the Upper Peninsula's Delta County to Heritage's wind farm there.
Granholm says the deal is part of a bigger picture to diversify the state's economy.
"Development of the wind energy sector is a key piece of Michigan's strategy to diversify our economy and create clean energy jobs," says Granholm. "The agreement announced today helps to solidify the state's emerging leadership in this industry."
Those clean energy jobs will be created right here in Saginaw, as Northern Power Systems will employ up to 137 workers by 2014 to build the wind turbines.
Merrill Technologies Group will be the main supplier of the design and components, as they have previous expertise, having built the first utility-scale turbine in the state this fall.
The wind farm on the Garden Peninsula in the U.P. is also expected to create 80 direct and indirect jobs during development, installation and operation.
Once the turbines are in place in the Upper Peninsula, Heritage Sustainable Energy will sell the power they generate to Consumers Energy.
Heritage and Consumers also signed another agreement for another wind farm in Missaukee and Osceola counties, for about half the amount of power.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Gov. Jennifer Granholm, State of Michigan
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