DTE Energy plots conversion of retired coal plant into largest Great Lakes energy storage site
The Detroit-based DTE Energy announced plans this week to convert a portion of the retired Trenton Channel coal power plant into a 220 MW battery energy storage center by the end of 2026.
When accomplished, that would make it the largest standalone battery project in the region, and enfold a sizable renewables backup into Michigan’s power sources. Its energy will be able to provide up to 880 MW hours of electricity and support the equivalent of nearly 40,000 homes. It was made possible in part by $140 million in tax incentives from the federal Inflation Reduction Act, through its infrastructure investment provisions.
“Today, roughly one-third of all electricity generated by DTE comes from carbon-free resources,” Jerry Norcia, chairman and CEO of DTE Energy, said. “Our world-class solar, wind, and nuclear generation facilities are delivering reliable and clean electricity to our customers, and the Trenton Channel Energy Center is a significant milestone in accelerating our clean energy journey.”
In order to get the most out of the facility, DTE will use the battery facility to store electricity during periods of excess generation and doll it out to customers when most in need. In this way, the company said it could reduce grid strain, cut down on demand-fueled start-stop of generation and bulk up the company’s overall renewable generation portfolio.
This will also bring the utility closer to Michigan’s statewide energy storage target, while advancing DTE’s own CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan, which called for the elimination of coal use – about 4,100 MW worth – by 2035 and an accompanying shift to renewables. Among those renewable resources are plans for more than 1,800 MW of battery energy storage by 2042.
“DTE’s new Trenton Channel Energy Center will help us strengthen our grid and produce more clean power when it’s less costly and store it for later when we need it,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “DTE got this done with support from the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, further shoring up their position as Michigan’s top producer of renewable energy. Thanks to projects like today’s, strong federal leadership, and the Michigan Legislature’s clean energy and jobs package I signed into law last year, our future is bright. We will make more American energy using American workers, lower household energy costs, create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and protect our air, land, and lakes. Let’s get it done.”
