Hecate Energy, a renewable power provider based in Chicago, has chosen Bechtel to build the Sunfish Solar 2 project, according to a September 11 news release. This will be the first in Hecate’s 1-gigawatt solar development plan in Calhoun County, Michigan. 

The total capital cost of Sunfish Solar 2 is estimated at $453 million, as stated in a filing by Consumers Energy, a residential power company collaborating with Hecate on the project. The solar facility will span 1,300 acres. 

A Brighter Future 

Expected to be completed in 2026, Sunfish Solar 2 will be one of Michigan’s largest solar plants, generating enough energy to power approximately 183,500 homes. The project will offset nearly 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to taking over 300,000 passenger vehicles off the road each year. 

Bechtel emphasized that Sunfish Solar 2 will be key to Michigan’s goal of generating 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Solar power is rapidly expanding nationwide, with U.S. solar installations growing 79% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2024, reaching a record 11.8 gigawatts, according to Reuters. 

An Economic Boost 

The Sunfish Solar 2 project is expected to have a significant positive impact on local employment in Calhoun County, Michigan. Here are the key details: 

Construction Phase 

  • The project will create more than 350 construction jobs at peak 
  • Construction is set to begin in late 2024. 
  • This surge in construction jobs will provide a substantial boost to the local economy and workforce development in the region 

Long-Term Employment 

  • After construction, long-term local jobs will be needed for the operation and maintenance of the solar farm. 
  • These ongoing positions will contribute to sustained employment opportunities in the area. 

Economic Benefits 

  • The project is expected to generate several million dollars in overall economic benefits for the community. 

This includes tax revenue for local governments and schools, which could indirectly support public sector employment. 

  • The project will likely stimulate commercial activity for local businesses, potentially leading to additional job creation in various sectors. 

Skill Development 

  • The project may provide opportunities for local workers to gain experience and skills in the renewable energy sector, which is a growing industry. 

Final Thoughts 

By creating both short-term construction jobs and long-term operational positions, as well as stimulating the local economy, the Sunfish Solar 2 project is poised to have a substantial positive impact on employment in the Calhoun County area. 

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