Included in its plans are two small-scale wind turbines, a fixed-panel solar array, batteries to store the energy and inverters to convert direct current to alternating current. A small energy-efficient training building will house the batteries and inverters and serve as a platform for the solar array.

"We're anticipating a significant increase over the next few years in the number of small-scale renewable energy installations in our Michigan service area,' said Dwane Johnson, manager of the Marshall Training Center.

"The renewable energy additions will be used to train electric service workers and lineworkers in the basic operation of wind and solar power systems. They'll also provide training on how privately-owned wind and solar power systems can safely interconnect with Consumers Energy's electric system," said Johnson."

Energy produced from the two wind turbines and solar array will be used for heating and lighting the renewable energy training building. It will also power the outdoor training facilities located at the rear of the Marshall Training Center property. Any excess electricity produced will be fed into the Consumers Energy electric system for customer use.

Construction began late last year on the expansion of the Marshall Training Center that will result in a state-of-the-art facility constructed to meet national environmental standards. The standards -- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design -- are nationally accepted benchmarks for the design, construction and operation of high-performance facilities, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

Among the major improvements to the facility will be a large indoor pole-climbing area to enhance lineworker training. It will be one of the few in such facilities in the United States. The expansion is scheduled to be completed in August.

The Marshall Training Center began operations in 1978 and provides training for nearly 1,000 employees every year.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

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