Michigan Approves 185-Megawatt Sanilac County Solar Project Amid Growing Thumb Opposition
Michigan regulators approved key supply and service agreements for DTE Energy's 185-megawatt Peatville Solar project in Sanilac County, although construction and all permitting are not yet complete. The article also reports that Huron County approved a 36-month moratorium on data center and similar land-use permits, while Lake Township adopted a separate six-month data center moratorium amid concerns about electricity use, water supplies and farmland preservation.
The Michigan Public Service Commission approved module supply and master service agreements for DTE Electric's proposed 185-megawatt Peatville Solar project in Sanilac County. The approval advances the project but does not authorize construction or resolve all remaining permitting and local land-use questions. Supporters cite renewable power, farm lease payments, jobs and tax revenue, while opponents question farmland loss and local control.
The article places the solar debate alongside growing opposition to industrial data centers in Michigan's Thumb. Huron County commissioners approved a 36-month moratorium on land-use permits for data centers and similar facilities, and Lake Township approved a separate six-month moratorium while officials consider permanent zoning rules. Residents have raised concerns about data centers' electricity and water demands, farmland impacts and long-term infrastructure effects.