CMS Energy opens 105-MW wind project contracted to General Motors

October 9 (Renewables Now) - CMS Energy (NYSE:CMS) on Monday held an opening ceremony for the 105-MW Northwest Ohio Wind project that will provide clean energy to General Motors Co (NYSE:GM), the US utility said in a news release.

The wind project is now owned by CMS Energy's subsidiary CMS Enterprises after a deal in June this year for its acquisition from Starwood Energy Group Global.

The wind park is expected to produce about 320,000 MWh a year, which is enough to power more than 30,000 Ohio homes, CMS Energy estimates. The renewable energy credits from the facility will go to General Motors under a 15-year renewable energy purchase agreement. This will help offset carbon emissions from seven Midwestern plants of the carmaker.

"Working with CMS Energy's Northwest Ohio Wind farm, along with the HillTopper Wind Project in Illinois, we'll soon power all of our manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Indiana with 100 percent clean wind energy," said Rob Threlkeld, global manager of renewable energy for General Motors.

Construction of Northwest Ohio Wind was completed in August. It was carried out by contractors including General Electric Co (NYSE:GE) and White Construction.