DTE’s Wind Park Begins Operation

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PIGEON — The 70-turbine Wind Park in Huron Country will add another 112 megawatts, with DTE Energy’s first 13 wind turbines, beginning  operation by the end of November.

 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 wind park reached commercial operation in December 2012. In addition, DTE Energy has an ownership stake in the Gratiot County Wind Park, owning 64 turbines. DTE Energy will also purchase the energy from the Big Turtle Wind Farm, covering 2,800 acres in Rubicon Township, and will be operational by late 2014. The Big Turtle wind farm will be the first to contain all turbines from Michigan company Ventower.

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.