In July 2023, BWL announced plans to add an additional 650 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to our portfolio to support our clean energy goals and meet future regional growth. The projects include a series of clean energy initiatives, including:
- 160MW of battery storage
- 65MW of local solar
- 195MW of additional solar outside of the Lansing region
- 238MW of wind outside of the Lansing region
- Continued growth of energy waste reduction, as well as expansion into demand response programs for customers
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. After implementation, BWL's total generational portfolio will be around 58 percent renewable. BWL has committed to produce 50 percent of energy from clean sources by 2030 and will be 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.
Timeline of Projects
Below is a rendering of Delta Energy Park in 2027 once the projects are completed.
