DTE explores wind-energy park in Branch County

DTE Energy has been leasing easement rights from property owners in Matteson Township and other Branch County townships, as the company explores the possibility of developing a wind-energy park.

Matteson Township Board members last week held a special meeting in Bronson, where more than 100 people gathered to hear about the pros and cons of wind energy.

Matteson Township Planning Board member Jim Eash said the township has imposed a one-year moratorium, a temporary prohibition of infrastructure activity to allow the township time to develop zoning laws.

DTE, still in the initial phases of the Branch County project, however, continues to seek landowner leases allowed by law.

DTE is considering 60 turbines for Matteson Township. The maximum height of a proposed turbine in Branch County is 500 feet.

So far in Branch County, 169 landowners have signed leases with DTE for nearly 28,500 acres.