DETROIT, March 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy
has submitted its 2018 Renewable Energy Plan to the Michigan Public
Service Commission (MPSC) proposing approximately 1,000 additional
megawatts of carbon-free electricity from new wind and solar
projects in Michigan scheduled to
be completed by 2022. If approved, these new renewable energy
projects would drive investment of more than $1.7 billion in Michigan and double DTE's renewable energy
capacity from 1,000 megawatts to 2,000 megawatts – enough clean
energy to power over 800,000 homes.
The filing outlines DTE's approach to Michigan's 15 percent Renewable Portfolio
Standard (RPS) as well as its intent to offer a new voluntary
renewable energy program specifically designed for large business
customers seeking to reduce carbon emissions. This program will
provide additional renewable resources beyond those proposed to
meet the 15 percent RPS requirement and differs from DTE's
MIGreenPower voluntary program. The plan also includes the launch
of a pilot program for battery storage technology aimed at
improving the reliability of energy provided from wind and solar
power.
"The plan we have filed takes another significant next step
toward our goal of cutting carbon emissions by more than 80 percent
by 2050 while continuing to deliver reliable and affordable power
for our 2.2 million customers," DTE Energy Chairman and CEO
Gerry Anderson said. "Due to our
substantial investments and use of renewable energy, DTE has
already reduced its carbon emissions by nearly 25 percent by
driving investments of approximately $2.5
billion over the last 10 years in Michigan's renewable energy sector and adding
1,000 megawatts of wind and solar capacity – enough clean energy to
power more than 450,000 homes."
Highlights of DTE's 2018 Renewable Energy Plan include:
- Bringing online the Pine River wind park later this year, and
the Polaris wind park in 2019. Together, the parks will have the
capability of generating 330 megawatts and will be DTE's largest
and most efficient wind parks to date.
- Adding 300 megawatts of new wind capacity in 2020 to supply a
new voluntary renewable energy program for large customers seeking
to reduce carbon emissions.
- Building two additional wind parks that will provide a combined
375 megawatts and begin operation in 2021 and 2022.
- Installing approximately 15 megawatts of new Michigan-based solar capacity over the next
three years, increasing DTE's solar capacity by almost 25 percent
over the next three years.
"Beyond this plan, DTE will continue to add additional renewable
energy resources," Anderson said. "Reducing our company's carbon
emissions and developing cleaner sources of energy is a key
priority for us. This work will also bring positive economic
impacts such as job creation and local community revenue."
DTE studied the engineering and the economics of Michigan's energy future for two years before
announcing last year its initiative to reduce carbon emissions by
more than 80 percent by 2050 – a timeframe that aligns with what
scientists broadly have identified as necessary to help address
climate change.
"We've concluded not only that the 80 percent reduction goal is
achievable, it is achievable in a way that ensures Michigan's power is safe, secure, affordable,
reliable – and sustainable," Anderson said. "There doesn't have to
be a choice between a healthy environment and a healthy economy,
although the debate often gets framed that way. We can have both,
if we invest in a smart way."
By continuing to incorporate substantially more renewable
energy, transitioning its 24/7 power sources from coal to natural
gas, operating its zero-emission Fermi 2 power plant, and improving
options for customers to save energy and reduce bills, DTE plans to
reduce carbon emissions by 45 percent by 2030, and 75 percent by
2040 on the way to its ultimate goal in 2050. These plans define a
long-term shift by DTE to produce over three-quarters of its power
from renewable energy and highly efficient natural gas-fired power
plants.
DTE's 2018 Renewable Energy Plan significantly contributes to
the company's efforts to implement Michigan's energy transition. In December 2016, bi-partisan energy legislation was
passed to address the state's transition of energy generation
sources and ensure reliable, safe and cleaner electricity for the
state.
About DTE Energy
DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a
Detroit-based diversified energy
company involved in the development and management of
energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating
units include an electric utility serving 2.2 million customers in
Southeastern Michigan and a
natural gas utility serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes
non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial
projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy
marketing and trading. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE
Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in the 450 Michigan
communities it serves in a variety of ways, including philanthropy,
volunteerism and economic progress. Information about DTE Energy is
available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com,
twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.
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SOURCE DTE Energy