Consumers Energy Jupiter Power Coldwater Battery Storage Facility

Consumers Energy and Jupiter Power partner for 100MW Tibbits battery storage project in Coldwater, advancing Michigan's clean energy goals.

JACKSON -- A groundbreaking partnership was announced on Monday between Jupiter Power and Consumers Energy for the 100-megawatt Tibbits battery storage project located off North Michigan Avenue and State Road in Coldwater.

Consumers Energy highlighted that this partnership is a significant step towards achieving their target of 550 megawatts of power storage capacity by 2040. Jupiter Power, on the other hand, expressed their anticipation to commence construction before the summer comes to a close. The company has already secured permits from Coldwater Township and is currently collaborating with the county to obtain all necessary construction permits.

David Hicks, Consumers Energy's vice president of clean energy development, emphasized the importance of battery storage in their Clean Energy Plan. He noted that it plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and reliability as the company transitions from coal to renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Similarly, Sam Malin, Jupiter's vice president of origination, highlighted the significance of their long-term 100 MW power purchase agreement with Consumers in advancing dispatchable battery energy storage in Michigan.

The approved $110 million project in Coldwater Township will feature four rows of 40 shipping container-sized batteries spread across approximately seven acres of the 70-acre site purchased by Jupiter. The company will retain ownership of the 100 MW, but the battery energy storage systems will contribute to Consumers' power capacity requirement in Michigan under the power purchase agreement.

Michigan's energy laws mandate that all power providers must achieve 50% renewable energy by 2030, 60% by 2035, and 100% clean energy statewide by 2040. A recent state law also sets a requirement of 2.5 gigawatts of utility-scale battery capacity by 2030 to store wind and solar power and meet the 2040 clean energy goal.

The Coldwater battery storage project joins Consumers Energy's existing storage systems in Kalamazoo, Cadillac, Grand Rapids, and Standish. Consumers Energy aims to develop an additional 75 megawatts of power storage by 2027.

Based in Austin, Dallas, and Chicago, Jupiter Power's Tibbits project in Coldwater marks their inaugural venture in Michigan. The collaboration between Jupiter Power and Consumers Energy signifies a significant stride towards a greener and more sustainable energy future for the state.