Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans to clear 420 acres of state forest in Otsego County for a solar farm, part of efforts to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040. The DNR assessed 1,200 acres near a transmission line, designating 35% for solar use, with up to 4,000 acres slated for future projects. Critics argue nuclear power is more efficient, producing 1,000 MW on 640 acres versus solar’s need for 5,000–7,000 acres for similar output. Additional concerns include land-use impacts, transmission line requirements, and weather-related vulnerabilities. The plan comes amid growing debates over renewable energy strategies and reduced support for ESG initiatives like the Net-Zero Banking Alliance.
420-acre forest clearing approved for Michigan solar farm
The DNR targets 4,000 acres for solar, starting with 35% of 1,200 acres near transmission infrastructure. (Image Credit/Source: Erik Karits/Pexels)
NTPC REL, a subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Ltd, won a 2 GW solar project bid through an e-reverse auction conducted on January 3. (Image Credit/Source: SolarPanal355/Pixabay)
Jammu and Kashmir’s solar rooftop initiative has completed 617 installations, targeting 30,000 homes under a subsidy scheme. (Image Credit/Source: Pixabay/Pexels)
RWE solar projects were awarded by Urząd Regulacji Energetyki (URE) in Poland, totaling 102 MW (DC) or 84 MW (AC) capacity. (Image Source: RWE)
Moldova has introduced net billing, fixed tariffs, and auction-based pricing to support renewable energy producers nationwide. (Image Source: Moldova)