Michigan Ag Connection - Sempra Acquires Michigan Wind Project

Michigan Ag News Headlines

Sempra Acquires Michigan Wind Project
Michigan Ag Connection - 07/25/2016

Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, San Diego, Calif., announced it has acquired the Apple Blossom wind project in Michigan from Geronimo Energy, LLC, a utility-scale wind and solar energy developer. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

When the 100-megawatt (MW) Apple Blossom is completed, Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, along with its affiliates and joint-venture partners, will have wind facilities in eight states totaling more than 1,300 MW of generating capacity.

Located in Huron County, Mich., the Apple Blossom wind farm will generate enough clean, renewable power for approximately 38,000 Michigan homes. Construction is expected to begin at the wind farm site in fall 2016.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to acquire, build and operate the Apple Blossom wind project in the state of Michigan as it continues to position itself as a wind energy leader," said Kevin C. Sagara, president of renewables for Sempra U.S. Gas & Power. "The acquisition of the Apple Blossom wind project enables our company to continue to invest in the development, construction and operation of renewable energy infrastructure. We look forward to providing Michigan with a stable supply of clean, renewable energy and becoming a long-term partner with the local community through the development and operation of this project."

The project is expected to employ about 250 construction workers at peak and be in commercial operation by year-end 2017. The entire output from the wind farm has been sold to Consumers Energy under a 15-year contract.

"Geronimo Energy is pleased to work with Sempra U.S. Gas & Power on a second wind farm project in the Midwestern United States," said Blake Nixon, president of Geronimo Energy. "Sempra U.S. Gas & Power brings impressive wind energy construction and operating expertise and has an aligned mission with Geronimo Energy's farmer-friendly and community-focused approach."

"We appreciate the contribution made by Geronimo Energy to develop the Apple Blossom project and look forward to collaboration with Sempra U.S Gas & Power as the project is constructed and operated," said Tim Sparks, vice president energy supply operations for Consumers Energy. "Our customers are expressing interest in more renewable energy development in Michigan. We're pleased to be a leader in providing an increasingly clean energy portfolio at a very economical price to the Michigan families and businesses we serve."

Other Michigan Headlines