DTE Energy announces goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050

DTE Energy announced last week that it set a goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions in its electric company by 2050.

This goal builds on the company’s existing commitments to reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and by 80 percent by 2040.

“We are fully committed to doing our part to dramatically reduce carbon emissions from DTE Electric,” Jerry Norcia, CEO of DTE Energy, said. “Setting the goal of net zero carbon emissions for our electric company by 2050 is an important next step that builds on our existing commitments. This is the right thing to do for our customers, business, and the environment. We are doing as much as we can, as fast as we can, to provide our customers and the state of Michigan with clean energy that is affordable and reliable. And we invite everyone in the state to join us as we work together to build a cleaner energy future for Michiganders.”

DTE Energy noted that achieving net zero emissions will require further technological advancements, such as carbon capture, large-scale storage, and modular nuclear facilities.

“DTE Energy is pushing the envelope with this ambitious mid-century, net-zero target,” Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) President Bob Perciasepe said. “The great wisdom of this plan is the technology-inclusive approach combining renewable wind and solar along with a focus on needed R&D in carbon capture, zero-carbon nuclear generation, and battery storage capability to reach steeper greenhouse gas emission reductions more quickly.”