DTE Energy to add new MIGreenPower renewable energy projects to meet continued program growth

Rhea-AI Summary

DTE Energy has initiated a competitive bidding process for new wind and solar projects in Michigan, totaling approximately 500 megawatts. This move is fueled by the growth of its MIGreenPower program, which has seen enrollment double over the past three years. Customers have committed to 1.8 million megawatt hours of clean energy, avoiding 1.4 million tons of CO2 emissions. DTE plans to add new projects by 2023 and aims to invest $3 billion in renewable energy infrastructure, significantly enhancing its clean energy generation by 2025.

Positive

• Initiation of 500 megawatt renewable projects to meet demand from MIGreenPower customers.
• MIGreenPower program enrollment has doubled for three years, indicating strong customer support.
• DTE plans to invest an additional $3 billion in renewable energy infrastructure by 2025.
• Existing projects generate enough clean energy to power nearly 700,000 homes.

Negative

• None.

Opening competitive bidding process for new Michigan wind and solar projects

Detroit, Feb. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) today announced that it will add new renewable energy projects totaling approximately 500 megawatts due to the continued growth and popularity of its MIGreenPower voluntary renewable energy program. Supported by 35 industrial, 450 small business and more than 48,000 residential customers, MIGreenPower enables DTE Electric customers to attribute even more of their electricity use to renewable energy, beyond the 15% DTE already provides to all customers as part of their energy mix. 

“We want to thank all of our MIGreenPower customers for their participation in the program,” said Trevor Lauer, president and chief operating officer of DTE’s electric company. “Over the next decade, we plan to continue adding clean energy projects and investing in new technologies to move our state closer to a carbon neutral future.” 

As a result of MIGreenPower customer commitments, DTE is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for new wind and solar projects, both with and without energy storage. The projects must be ready to achieve commercial operation in 2023, located in Michigan, and interconnected to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) or distribution level transmission. Interested bidders should register their company information on the PowerAdvocate website and, once registered, can attend a pre-RFP conference being held on February 15, 2022. Bids are due April 29, 2022, and the company anticipates executing contracts this summer. 

Among the largest voluntary programs in the country, MIGreenPower enrollment has doubled for each of the past three years and is having a direct impact on the number of new clean energy projects DTE is bringing online. MIGreenPower customers have already enrolled 1.8 million megawatt hours of clean energy in the program, avoiding 1.4 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. In 2021, DTE increased its clean energy generation by 40%, adding three new wind parks and one new solar park to source clean energy commitments from MIGreenPower customers. Additionally, the company received Michigan Public Service Commission approval to add new utility-scale and smaller community solar projects, including a 20-megawatt project in Ann Arbor.

Already Michigan’s largest producer of and investor in renewable energy, DTE currently has more than 50 wind and solar parks in its portfolio. These projects generate enough clean energy to power nearly 700,000 homes. By 2025, DTE will double its clean energy generation and invest an additional $3 billion in renewable energy infrastructure.

For more information on DTE’s MIGreenPower program, please visit www.migreenpower.com. 

 

 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 company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes non-utility businesses focused on industrial energy services, renewable natural gas, and energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE utility operations will reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80% by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE Electric and Gas aspire to achieve net zero carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. DTE is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy. 

FAQ

What is the new project announced by DTE Energy on February 4, 2022?

DTE Energy announced a competitive bidding process for new renewable energy projects totaling approximately 500 megawatts in Michigan.

How does the MIGreenPower program impact DTE Energy's future projects?

The MIGreenPower program, which has doubled in enrollment, has directly influenced DTE to issue a Request for Proposals for new wind and solar projects.

What are the expected timelines for the new DTE Energy projects?

The new wind and solar projects by DTE Energy are expected to achieve commercial operation in 2023.

How much is DTE Energy investing in renewable energy by 2025?

DTE Energy plans to invest an additional $3 billion in renewable energy infrastructure by 2025.

What is the significance of the MIGreenPower program?

The MIGreenPower program allows customers to attribute a larger portion of their electricity usage to renewable sources, thereby increasing DTE's clean energy output.