- DTE will be evaluating a number of emerging technologies as the team develops the next CleanVision IRP, including:
Michigan's Clean Energy Future
NET ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS BY 2050
Climate change is one of the defining issues of our era. That's why, in 2022, DTE Electric unveiled its CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with a proposal to dramatically increase renewable energy and storage, hasten the retirement of the company's last two coal power plants and accelerate the company's carbon emissions reduction goals.
In addition, DTE Gas plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through an innovative plan that includes both suppliers and customers.
DTE Energy's clean energy efforts are essential to our mission of providing our customers with reliable, affordable and cleaner power.
EXPLORE THE ROAD MAP
reductions in carbon emissions
- WIND
- NUCLEAR
- SOLAR
- COAL
- Natural Gas
Slide to see target carbon emissions reduction goals over
time.
How We Get There
We're in the midst of a fundamental transformation in how we produce electricity in our state. Our 2022 CleanVision IRP includes accelerating coal plant retirements, investing in cleaner Michigan-made energy - including wind and solar parks - and repurposing an existing power plant at a fraction of the cost, while accelerating reductions in carbon emissions.
Our bold net zero carbon emissions goal sets the framework for DTE Electric to reduce carbon emissions by 65% in 2028 and 90% by 2040, ensuring our medium- and long-term plans align with the importance of achieving significant economy-wide emissions reductions by 2050.
Like all big transformations, the shift to cleaner energy won't happen overnight, but progress has already begun. DTE has 20 wind parks and 34 solar parks and has cut carbon emissions by 32% since 2005.
We're also offering ways to help customers meet their own sustainability goals. They can save money and energy through our energy efficiency and demand response programs. And residential and business customers have the opportunity to buy more clean energy.
Proposed fuel mix
(2005-2042, MWh%)
- 2005
- 2023
- 2029
- 2033
- 2042
Our Balanced Energy Fuel Mix
= Cleaner Energy Source
= Emissions Free Energy Source
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RENEWABLES
DTE’s renewable energy portfolio currently includes 20 wind parks and 34 solar farms in Michigan. By 2042, DTE’s wind and solar energy will generate over 18,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, which will be over 60% of our energy mix and is equivalent to powering approximately 5.9 million homes.
DTE’s renewable projects are also strengthening Michigan’s economy. Communities around the state receive added tax revenue, and those participating in our projects benefit from the extra income these projects provide. Our renewable projects offer additional local employment opportunities before, during and after a project gets built. -
STORAGE
Similar to batteries found in cellphones or laptops, rechargeable, large lithium-ion batteries can support the grid by storing and discharging energy at a later time. This makes batteries an ideal partner for renewable energy, such as wind and solar, to store energy by charging the batteries when those resources are abundant. Lithium-ion battery storage is considered “short duration storage,” meaning a discharge duration of four hours or less. The stored energy is then used when wind and solar power are unavailable. By 2042, we plan to double our total energy storage capacity, resulting in over 2,900 MW of storage to help power homes and businesses in southeast Michigan.
DTE’s first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a 14 MW Lithium-ion battery system. The pilot project, Slocum BESS, has 95 state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery segments and is capable of storing and releasing enough energy to power 2,500 homes. Slocum BESS became operational in 2025, replacing five diesel “peaker” engines at the Slocum station site in Trenton, Michigan. The facility was designed as a pilot project to help inform the engineering, construction and operation of even larger battery storage facilities.
DTE is converting a portion of the retired Trenton Channel coal-fired power plant site to house a 220 MW battery energy storage center. The new Trenton Channel Energy Center will help support the company’s clean energy journey and Michigan’s statewide energy storage target. The facility will store electricity during times of excess generation and distribute the power to customers when they need it. This will reduce strain on the grid, decrease the need to start and stop generation as demand fluctuates and augment DTE’s growing fleet of renewable generation – all of which benefit DTE customers. Once complete, the energy storage center is expected to be the largest standalone battery energy storage project in the Great Lakes region.
The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant, which DTE Electric co-owns with Consumers Energy, is considered a long-duration storage facility, with a discharge duration of 8-12 hours. This hydroelectric plant, located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Mason County, also works hand-in-hand with renewable energy. The reversible turbines work as pumps when energy is plentiful and low-cost, such as when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing, and as power generators when demand is higher and renewable sources are less abundant. The plant pumps water from Lake Michigan uphill to the 27 billion-gallon reservoir at low-cost times and releases the stored water downhill through the turbines to generate electricity when energy demand is higher. -
NATURAL GAS
DTE knows natural gas plays an important role in a diverse energy mix. Natural gas is abundant and one of the few energy sources that can be stored. This makes it an ideal fuel source to help power the grid alongside Michigan-made wind and solar energy – particularly when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining.
Our 2022 CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan calls for repurposing existing infrastructure at the Belle River Power Plant by converting its fuel source from coal to natural gas. The Belle River plant will only run during periods of high customer demand, such as in extreme summer heat. This economical approach will be a fraction of the cost of building a brand-new natural gas plant, reduce emissions by 90-95% from current coal operations and protect electric reliability.
Our state-of-the-art Blue Water Energy Center (BWEC), a 1,127 MW natural gas combined-cycle plant in East China Township, already provides an always-available energy source. It came online in June 2022 and is one of the most efficient plants in the country. BWEC supported the retirement of three coal-fired power plants in 2022 without impacting system reliability while sharply reducing carbon emissions.
This approach allows DTE to add thousands of megawatts of renewables onto the grid in advance of the first two units of the Monroe Power Plant retiring in 2028, protecting customer affordability and system reliability. -
NUCLEAR
At 1,141 megawatts of carbon-free energy, our Fermi 2 nuclear power plant accounts for about 20% of the electricity generated by DTE Electric. As our only source of carbon-free baseload, or 24/7 generation, it will continue to be an important part of our balanced energy mix. Located in Monroe County, the plant produces enough electricity to serve a city of nearly one million people.
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COAL
At one time, DTE Electric had one of the largest fleets of coal-fired plants in the Midwest. DTE Electric’s energy mix was 77% coal in 2005; this plan would reduce coal usage to only 15% by 2029 with a full exit in 2032. Our plan moves the retirement of coal at our Belle River Power Plant from 2028 to 2026 and starts the phased retirement of our Monroe Power Plant nearly 12 years ahead of our original plan to 2028 from 2040.
What Is an Integrated Resource Plan?
An Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is a comprehensive plan to meet our customers’ electricity needs for the next 5, 10 and 15 years. An IRP details the planned resources an electric company will use to deliver reliable, affordable electric supply to its customers. In 2016, the State of Michigan updated its IRP regulatory framework, and DTE filed its first IRP in accordance with the new statute in 2019, with an update in 2022. In Michigan, IRPs are:
- Reviewed and approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) at least every 5 years. Once filed, the MPSC Staff and other stakeholders review the IRP proposal through a nearly year-long, formal process before the MPSC Commissioners make a final decision on the proposed plan.
- Updated regularly based on information including customers’ energy needs, resource economics, technology availability and changing market dynamics.
- Informed by customers and stakeholders from across Michigan through a transparent and collaborative process.
The company’s next CleanVision IRP will be filed by December 2026 and will cover our customers’ long-term generation needs for the next 20 years.
2026 CleanVision Integrated Resource Planning Process
Our team is engaging with and listening to customers and stakeholders as we develop our 2026 CleanVision IRP. Over the coming months, DTE will share how customers and other stakeholders can participate in the 2026 CleanVision IRP stakeholder process, including IRP information sessions and public meetings. Stakeholders are also invited to submit comments or questions below.
Submit your CleanVision IRP comments or questions.
Contact UsGet the latest updates on our CleanVision IRP planning process.
Visit BlogJoin an upcoming meeting to learn more (in-person and virtual)
Attend a MeetingCleanVision IRP Resources
Explore our 2026 CleanVision IRP planning process educational information and resources. Look for future updates that will include our public presentations, recordings and other materials.
Current CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan (2022)
On July 26, 2023, the Michigan Public Service Commission approved a historic settlement agreement between DTE Energy and nearly two dozen organizations across Michigan on our transformational 2022 CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan. This 20-year plan accelerates our clean energy transition by investing in Michigan-made solar and wind energy, speeding up the retirement of coal plants, and developing new energy storage – all reinforcing DTE’s commitment to cleaner energy generated reliably and affordably.
The first half of our plan relies on commercially available technologies like solar, wind, energy storage and natural gas. Our plan lays out the development of supply resources sufficient to meet our customers’ needs reliably as we move toward large-scale coal plant retirements. This includes building solar and storage resources prior to the retirement of the first two units of Monroe in 2028 and the proposed conversion of the Belle River Power Plant from a coal plant to a natural gas peaking resource. The addition of 5,400 MW of solar and wind and 780 MW of storage by 2032 will provide enough renewable energy to power 1.5 million residential homes.
The second half of our plan (2033-2042) includes retiring the Belle River natural gas peaking resource by 2040. This plan also calls for developing an additional 10,000 MW of renewables, 1,050 MW of storage and future 24/7 emerging technologies.
Key Milestone Highlights – years 5, 10 and 20
DTE has a detailed proposal and timeline that lays out our plan.
First 5 years (2023-2027)
- Adds 1,300 MW of new solar farms.
- Adds 350 MW of battery storage.
- Retires 1,300 MW of coal-fired operations at Belle River Power Plant and converts the plant to a natural gas peaking resource. This means the facility would generate electricity "on call" and when needed, such as during the hottest days of the summer, and to support high customer demand.
Second 5 years (2028-2032)
- Adds 3,200 MW of new solar, 1,000 MW of new wind.
- Adds 430 MW of new energy storage.
- Retires half of the Monroe Power Plant in 2028 (~1,500 MW) and the other half in 2032 (~1,500 MW), ending all use of coal by DTE Energy.
Last 10 years (2033-2042)
- Adds 2,100 MW of new solar, 7,900 MW of new wind and 1,050 MW of new energy storage.
- Retires the Belle River natural gas peaking resource by 2040.
2022 CleanVision IRP Resources
FAQ for the 2022 CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan
Why did DTE file an IRP?
Under Michigan law, energy companies like DTE are required to file an IRP with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) at least every five years. The industry is going through a lot of changes right now, and DTE decided it was important to engage in this process and update our plans ahead of schedule. IRPs are transparent, data and stakeholder engagement-driven, integrated plans. They help us make informed decisions about how to meet the needs of our customers reliably and affordably. Our latest proposal provides greater transparency to our long-term planning, allowing us to engage meaningfully with our stakeholders as we proceed through the process.
How does your plan ensure reliability won't be compromised, especially when you propose to accelerate the retirement of 4,100 MW of coal?
We're committed to reducing power outages by 30% while cutting outage time in half by 2029. To help do this, DTE is continuing its work to build the grid of the future. By fully automating our grid using smart devices, strengthening our infrastructure, rebuilding significant portions of the grid and trimming trees, we will reduce both the number and length of outages while supporting the growth of our state and the communities we serve. See work happening in your community using our Power Improvements Map.
Will this plan increase my rates/bill?
We know our customers count on us every day for the energy they need, and we recognize our responsibility to serve our customers by working to keep bills as low as possible. Our 2022 plan projects $1.1 billion in future cost reductions over the 2019 plan, creating long-term customer value. Maintaining safe and reliable generation operations – even for existing resources – does require ongoing investment. The plan supports further investments to prepare Michigan for the demands of the 21st century, like the transition to transportation electrification, increasingly extreme weather and the fast-evolving needs of the communities we're proud to serve. With this transition, we'll not only produce cleaner energy but also take an approach that provides increased value for all our customers.
In addition to CO₂ reductions, are there other environmental benefits the plan would bring?
Yes. In addition to CO₂ emissions reductions, the plan drives additional emissions reductions, including a nearly 100% reduction in sulfur dioxide and mercury emissions, 92% reduction in carbon monoxide emissions, 95% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, 72% reduction in particulate matter emissions and 66% reduction in volatile organic compound emissions by 2042 (from 2023 baseline). DTE’s proposed plan also results in reductions in water intake and discharge, as well as waste generation and disposal, including ash.
To Learn More
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DTE Electric's CleanVision Plan
DTE Electric's CleanVision Plan is our journey to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for the Electric Company by 2050 while providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy to our customers. In October 2021, DTE Electric announced plans to accelerate our interim goal of 50% carbon emissions reductions, achieving that goal by 2028. We will further outline our goals to provide cleaner, reliable, and affordable energy in our next Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) filing with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).
FAQ
What is an integrated resource plan?
An Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is a comprehensive plan to meet electricity needs of our customers 5, 10 and 15 years into the future. An IRP details how a power company will provide reliable, affordable electric supply to its customers. An IRP evaluates things like the cost and performance of existing power generation, as well as new resources like solar and storage. It also looks at customer demand and energy efficiency, taking into consideration how business and residential customers use energy today and into the future, so the power company can plan to meet those needs with existing or new generation resources. Michigan's power companies like DTE Electric are required to file an IRP with the MPSC at least every five years. DTE Electric is early in the IRP process and collecting inputs as it prepares detailed analyses. DTE plans to file its IRP in October 2022, about one year earlier than previously planned. The IRP will provide further detail of our CleanVision Plan.
Is there a way for me to engage with DTE in the CleanVision Plan Process?
Yes! Public input is an important part of the IRP process. You may submit feedback, comments, or questions at any time through this site by clicking this link. DTE also hosted four public open houses in the first half of this year. To protect the health and safety of attendees during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to reach people across our service territory, the DTE public open houses were virtual. Recordings, presentations and transcripts from the open houses are available on this website. We also host a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page that addresses questions frequently raised by attendees.
What kind of feedback is DTE seeking during the CleanVision Plan process?
We are seeking public input as we develop our long-term CleanVision Plan. Stakeholder input in the IRP process helps us understand what you think DTE should consider or prioritize as we plan to meet customer needs in the future. IRPs consider many factors including existing and new sources of generation and have important implications for our customers, communities we serve, our employees, and the environment. Therefore, it is expected that feedback may address a broad range of topics.
I understand DTE will evaluate adding renewable energy, like wind and solar, to the generation mix. Is DTE considering other emerging technologies?
Yes. The CleanVision Plan will evaluate emerging technologies that support a diverse, reliable mix of generation resources that may be needed to serve our customers. This evaluation may include technologies, like batteries, longer-duration storage technologies, hydrogen, carbon capture and sequestration, and small modular nuclear reactors. To learn more, please see the resources from the February 22, 2022 Open House.
How is DTE thinking about employees and communities that are impacted by coal plant retirements and transitions?
The sequential retirement of our coal-fired power plants is a key part of our CleanVision Plan. These plants make up a significant portion of our generation fleet, and we recognize that these plants, and the employees who operate them every day, have been a part of the communities they're in for nearly 100 years. With that in mind, we want to make sure that we put forth a thoughtful, dignified transition of these power plants for our employees and their host communities. We call our vision retire with PRIDE- which stands for People, Respect, Integrity, Dignity, and Engagement. To learn more about the Retire with Pride initiative, please see the resources from the April 19, 2022 Open House.
What programs does DTE have available for customers wanting to support renewable energy, save money, and reduce carbon emissions?
DTE has a number of customer programs supporting cleaner energy and customer savings. To learn more, please see the resources from the March 22, 2022 Open House. You can also find out more about each program on this website under Join Us or via the links below: Energy Efficiency MIGreenPower Electric Vehicles DTE Insight Rooftop Solar and Private Generation | DTE Energy CleanVision Natural Gas Balance Energy Assistance
Open Houses
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Resources
Welcome to the DTE Efficiency Hub. From seasonal energy-saving tips to programs, rebates and energy-efficient products, the Efficiency Hub shows simple ways you can start saving in your home today.
Welcome to the DTE Efficiency Hub. From seasonal energy-saving tips to programs, rebates and energy efficient products, the Efficiency Hub shows simple ways you can start saving in your home today.
Visit our virtual energy-efficient home and explore room-by-room tips, rebates and programs that can help you save energy in every room of your home.
Welcome to DTE Energy's virtual field trip! See a wind turbine and two solar parks and learn about cleaner, renewable energy. These types of energy sources are carbon free resources and play important roles in combatting climate change. Also check out our latest wind park and discover how wind turbines work in cold weather.
STEWARDSHIP Our Home
is Our Habitat
We work to take care of the land, water and living creatures both within our service territories and beyond. As one of the largest landowners in Michigan, we maintain thousands of acres in its natural state and provide habitat for hundreds of species of birds, mammals, fish and insects. We have more than 30 sites certified under the Wildlife Habitat Council, a nonprofit organization that helps companies manage their property for the benefit of wildlife.
Aggressively Reducing Water Withdrawal During Power Production
Of the water used for cooling and other purposes at our power plants, less than 2% was actually consumed (water largely lost through evaporation) and more than 98% was returned. By retiring coal plants and shifting to cleaner and more efficient generation sources, DTE has aggressive targets to reduce water withdrawal by 40% by 2023, 60% by 2030, and 90% by 2040.
Cleaner Air Results and Projections
Since 2005, we have invested more than $2 billion each in emission controls and renewable energy. These investments have cut carbon emissions by 25% and significantly reduced other emissions, including mercury, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter – contributing to Metro Detroit's best air quality, according to EPA data.
15,000 Ton Sturgeon Sanctuary
Loss of rocky habitat in the Detroit and St. Clair River systems, which has occurred since the 1800s due to industrialization, has contributed to a decline in the lake sturgeon population – a state and provincially threatened species. DTE Energy provided limestone needed for restoration of the reef—about 15,000 tons. We're proud to support the restoration efforts and to rebuild native fish communities throughout the Great Lakes region.
DID YOU KNOW? Our App Helps You Conserve & Save
The DTE Insight App is a mobile app providing customers with real-time home energy usage data by connecting their home's smart meter to their smartphone. Our customers can use this data to make decisions about home energy usage — from heating and cooling, to the use of appliances and even home weatherization. The app helps customers save energy and reduce energy costs.
Join the Journey
We all need to do our part to help protect the environment for our families and generations to come. Reducing carbon emissions is a key to combatting climate change. DTE offers several opportunities to you to make a difference at a local or state level, at home or on the move.
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Transform Your HomeFrom windows and insulation to smart home devices, we have the resources you need to increase your energy efficiency. DTE Energy's residential and business customers will save nearly $400 million on their cumulative lifetime energy bills thanks to their participation in the company's efficiency programs.
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Drive an Electric VehicleYou can reduce your carbon emissions by up to 70% when you switch to driving an electric vehicle. DTE Energy is here to help you on the road to owning an electric vehicle with with our Home EV Charger Rebate you may qualify for a rebate to cover the cost of a Level 2 charger and the installation.
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Join MIGreenPowerDTE's popular MIGreenPower program enables customers to attribute up to 100% of their energy use to Michigan-made wind and solar, whether they own or rent their home or office space. Nearly 500 customers are joining MIGreenPower each week, reducing their carbon footprint and bringing more clean energy onto the grid. MIGreenPower subscribers have already enrolled 1.8 million megawatts of clean energy in the program, reducing 1.4 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
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Recycle Your Old AppliancesIt's the easy way to clean up and save. If you have an old refrigerator or freezer that still works, DTE Energy will recycle it for free and you'll receive a $50 check. Plus, save more when you recycle other appliances.
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Enroll in CleanVision Natural Gas BalanceNatural Gas Balance is an innovative program that allows DTE gas customers to offset up to 100 % of the average household greenhouse gases created using natural gas. For as little as $ 4.00 a month, you are protecting Michigan forests that naturally scrub greenhouse gasses from the environment as well as supporting the development and use of renewable natural gas created from waste emissions.
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Lower Your Energy CostsParticipate in a Demand Response program to save on your electric bill, take advantage of incentives and help improve grid reliability in times of high energy demand, such as during a heat wave. These programs also contribute to our goal of helping Michigan become a cleaner, better place for future generations by reducing greenhouse gas production.