Zeeland Board of Public Works (BPW) has added 5.6 MW to its sustainable energy portfolio this month as Hart Solar, a solar array in Oceana County, entered commercial operation. To put it into perspective, this additional project provides the BPW with enough energy to power approximately 961 homes in the community.
The BPW joined 13 other Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA) Members in a combined 50 MW power purchase agreement. The total array is rated at 120 MW. This project has been in progress for multiple years, involving contracting, land acquisition, regulatory approvals, and site development.
“Hart Solar reflects MPPA’s long-term commitment to helping our Members secure reliable, cost-effective and carbon-free power supply resources that strengthen and diversify their power supply portfolios,” said Patrick Bowland, CEO & General Manager at MPPA. “Through joint action, public power communities of all sizes can share in the economies of scale needed to make utility-scale renewable projects like Hart Solar a practical, long-term resource for the customers and communities they serve.”
Hart Solar is the third solar project to enter commercial operation through MPPA in the past year, following Brandt Woods Solar in Calhoun County and White Tail Solar in Washtenaw County. Since November 2023, when Michigan Public Act 235 was signed into law, utilities across the state have continued developing plans to meet the statewide renewable energy standard, which requires utilities to reach 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 60% by 2035.
“Zeeland BPW has partnered with MPPA on renewable energy projects for more than a decade, and we are pleased to continue that relationship through this project,” said Robert Mulder, General Manager for BPW. “Projects like this support renewable energy development in Michigan and move us closer to achieving the goals established by the State, while delivering the power supply resources necessary to serve our customers.”
Zeeland BPW remains committed to delivering reliable electric service at competitive rates and will continue to pursue renewable energy opportunities that are a strong fit for the community. The ability to partner with fellow municipal members through MPPA not only strengthens public power collaboration but also allows participation in large-scale projects that individually may not be possible.
