On January 29, 2025, Consumers Energy and Hecate Energy announced the commencement of preliminary work for the Sunfish Solar 2 project, located in Lee Township, Calhoun County, Michigan. This 360 MW project is expected to be completed by Q2 2026. Once operational, it will provide enough energy to power approximately 69,000 Michigan homes, marking an important step in Consumers Energy’s commitment to achieving 8,000 MW of solar energy by 2040.
A Strategic Project for Michigan’s Energy Transition
Sunfish Solar 2 is part of a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the clean energy supply for the state’s consumers. The energy generated by the project will primarily be used to supply commercial and residential customers enrolled in Consumers Energy’s voluntary Renewable Energy Program. This program allows businesses and residents to actively participate in the state’s energy initiative.
Economic Impact and Local Job Creation
The construction of the project will generate over 350 unionized jobs and a direct and indirect economic contribution of $225 million, including $50 million in labor income for the local workforce. Bechtel, the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contractor, will be responsible for the execution of the project and will focus on local recruitment in the West-Central Michigan region.
Contributing to Michigan’s Sustainability Goals
Sunfish Solar 2 is part of a broader effort to help Michigan reach its goal of sourcing 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. This large-scale project represents a further step toward transforming the state’s energy grid, with long-term benefits for the resilience of the local community.
