DTE Energy Plans Power Storage Facility at Former Coal Plant Location

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE), Michigan’s foremost renewable energy producer, is poised to enhance its leadership in energy storage by repurposing a section of the retired Trenton Channel coal power plant site for a 220-megawatt battery energy storage center. Anticipated to be operational by 2026, this facility will stand as the largest standalone battery energy storage project in the Great Lakes region.

The upcoming Trenton Channel Energy Center will bolster DTE’s ambitious CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan and Michigan’s recently established energy storage objective, in alignment with DTE’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions. The center will function by storing surplus electricity during periods of high generation and delivering it to customers during peak demand, thereby easing grid pressure, minimizing the need for intermittent generation adjustments, and complementing DTE’s expanding renewable energy portfolio – all of which will enhance service for DTE customers.

Jerry Norcia, chairman and CEO of DTE Energy, stated, "Currently, approximately one-third of DTE's electricity is generated from carbon-free sources. Our state-of-the-art solar, wind, and nuclear power plants are providing dependable and environmentally friendly electricity to our customers, and the Trenton Channel Energy Center marks a significant milestone in advancing our transition to clean energy."

The transformation of the Trenton Channel site is substantially supported by $140 million in tax incentives under the 2022 federal Inflation Reduction Act, specifically its infrastructure investment provisions. These incentives play a crucial role in enabling this ambitious move towards a cleaner energy future for Michigan residents.

The facility will be capable of storing 220 megawatts (or 880 megawatt hours) of electricity, sufficient to power nearly 40,000 homes. This initiative also marks a significant advancement in DTE's objective to more than double its overall energy storage capacity by 2042. Furthermore, it aligns with Michigan's targets for clean energy, as set forth in Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate plan.

"DTE’s new Trenton Channel Energy Center will enhance grid reliability by generating clean power during low-cost periods and storing it for later use," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "With support from the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, DTE is reinforcing its role as Michigan’s leading renewable energy producer. Projects like today’s, combined with strong federal leadership and the clean energy and jobs package passed by the Michigan Legislature last year, promise a promising future. By leveraging American workers to produce more domestic energy, lowering household energy costs, creating tens of thousands of well-paying jobs, and safeguarding our environment, we are poised to achieve these goals."

In 2022, DTE Energy retired its Trenton Channel coal power plant as a strategic step toward achieving net zero carbon emissions. This facility had served southeast Michigan residents for nearly a century, supporting the state’s economic growth following World War I and World War II.

"Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa expressed enthusiasm about DTE's use of its longstanding site in Trenton to develop critical new infrastructure. The Trenton plant was a cornerstone of our community for a century, and it's heartening to see DTE's dedication to enhancing the site with new technology that benefits over two million electric customers, as well as the City of Trenton and its residents."

The site’s redevelopment underscores DTE’s dedication to expanding Michigan-made renewable energy sources while bolstering support for the Trenton community. This initiative is expected to generate additional tax revenue for Trenton, which can be allocated to fund various community projects such as infrastructure improvements, schools, and public safety initiatives.

While this marks DTE's largest energy storage initiative, it is one of several currently in progress. Together, these energy storage projects will enhance DTE's ability to efficiently deliver clean energy to 2.3 million customers across Southeast Michigan as demand requires.