DTE Energy, Michigan’s largest renewable energy producer, announced on June 10, 2024, plans to transform part of its retired Trenton Channel coal power plant into a 220-megawatt battery energy storage center. [1] Scheduled for completion in 2026, this will be the largest standalone battery storage project in the Great Lakes region, supporting DTE’s CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan and Michigan’s energy storage goals. The facility will store and distribute excess electricity, enhancing grid reliability and supporting renewable energy use.
The project, partially funded by $140 million in federal tax incentives from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, aligns with DTE’s net zero carbon reduction goals. CEO Jerry Norcia emphasized the company’s commitment to clean energy, noting that one-third of DTE’s electricity already comes from carbon-free sources. The new center will store enough power for nearly 40,000 homes, contributing to Michigan’s MI Healthy Climate Plan.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the project for its potential to strengthen the grid, reduce energy costs, create jobs, and protect the environment. Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa highlighted the project’s benefits for the local community, including increased tax revenue for public projects. This initiative is a significant step towards doubling DTE’s energy storage capacity by 2042.