Project Overview

The Alpine Power Plant will ensure clean, reliable energy and affordable electric rates for Wolverine’s members.

Fast Facts

  • Location: Elmira Township, Michigan

  • Technology: Simple cycle gas turbine

  • Fuel: Natural gas

  • Type: Peaking plant

  • Investment: Approx. $200 million

Visual Appearance

Aeriqal view of the proposed Alpine Power Plant

Aerial View

The plant’s geographic footprint will be relatively small. It will measure approximately 600 ft by 600 ft, about the size of a soccer stadium.

Street view of Alpine Power Plant

Plant Entrance

The plant is sited on the north side of M-32 between Flott Rd and Camp Ten Rd. The facility will be well screened by trees and landscaping.

Height of Alpine Power

Power Plant Height

At just 100 feet tall and nestled in the trees, the plant will be far less visible than other types of infrastructure.

Project Timeline

2014 Planning
2015 Permitting and Construction
2016 Operation

Enhances Electric Reliability

The way electricity is made is changing. Renewable generation, like wind and solar, is on the rise and older coal plants will soon be closing. The Alpine Power Plant will ensure electric reliability through this transition by generating power with clean, natural gas.

Environmentally Friendly

This clean natural gas facility will emit virtually no sulfur or mercury. Designed to be flexible, it complements Wolverine’s renewable generation portfolio with its ability to start operating quickly when renewable generation isn’t readily available due to lack of wind or sunshine.

Local Economic Impact

With an estimated investment of $200 million (including potential transmission upgrades), the Alpine Power Plant is expected to provide significant tax revenue to local units of government in Otsego County, as well as the Gaylord Public School System.

Cooperatively Owned

Wolverine is a not-for-profit cooperative owned by and operated for the benefit of the member-owners it serves. Profits and earnings generated by the co-op are allocated back to the member-owners. The board of directors that governs Wolverine is elected by the membership.

Environmental Impact

The Alpine Power Plant will have a minimal environmental impact on the surrounding area.

Noise

A noise study concluded that from the road, sound levels from the Alpine plant will measure approximately 60 A-weighted decibels (dBA). Comparatively, a normal conversation between two people in an office or restaurant setting is approximately 60 dBA as well.

Graphic showing the dBA of various noises

Emissions

Nitrogen Oxide

0.32 Nitrogen Oxide

Carbon Dioxide

1,100 Carbon Dioxide

Sulfur Dioxide

0.019 Sulfur Dioxide

Mercury

0 Mercury