Detroit-based DTE Energy has announced a new goal to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2040, which accelerates its previous commitment by a decade.
In the company’s integrated resource plan, submitted to the Michigan Public Service Commission, DTE outlines the steps it will take over the next five years and beyond to transform to a cleaner generation mix – adding more renewables, increasing energy efficiency for its customers above state requirements and retiring coal plants sooner than previously announced.
DTE will also reduce carbon emissions at least 50% by 2030, surpassing its previous carbon-reduction commitment of 45% by 2030.
“In Michigan, we are in the midst of a fundamental energy transformation. Two years ago, we were one of the first energy companies in the country to commit to reducing carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050. Our plan has evolved, and we now are accelerating that goal by a decade,” states Gerry Anderson, DTE Energy’s chairman and CEO. “Achieving these goals will require significant investments in the years ahead – and we are convinced we can make those investments while ensuring that electricity remains highly reliable and affordable for Michigan homes and businesses.”
DTE plans to more than double its renewable energy production over the next five years, generating enough clean energy to power 800,000 Michigan homes. By the time DTE removes all coal from its generation fleet in 2040, its renewable energy portfolio will have quadrupled. Further, DTE is moving to expand its voluntary renewable program, MIGreenPower.
In terms of coal retirements, DTE plans to close the St. Clair Power Plant and Trenton Channel Power Plant in 2022, one year ahead of schedule. The River Rouge Power Plant also will be retired in 2022. DTE is working closely with the impacted communities to help with economic development during this transition. The company says it is committed to no employee layoffs and will provide training opportunities for employees to find new roles within the company.
