DTE Energy Launches 150MW Solar PV Plant in Michigan

DTE Energy has successfully commenced commercial operations for its Sauk Solar plant, a 150MW solar PV facility located in Branch County, Michigan. This project marks the first of six solar parks in DTE's portfolio, which aims to add a total of 800MW of capacity across the state, including sites like Fish Creek, Mission Road, and Little Trout Solar Park.

Sauk Solar, featuring nearly 347,000 solar panels, is DTE's largest operational solar project, significantly larger than its previous second-largest plant. The development is funded through the MIGreenPower program, one of the largest voluntary renewable energy initiatives in the U.S., with nearly 100,000 residential and 1,900 business customers participating.

DTE Energy has ambitious plans to add over 2.4GW of new solar and wind capacity over the next decade. Matt Paul, President and COO of DTE Electric, emphasized that building these solar parks is vital for transitioning away from coal by 2032 and achieving the company's sustainability goals.

In 2023, the Michigan Public Service Commission approved DTE's plan to expand solar capacity by 6.5GW by 2042, alongside plans for nearly 2GW of energy storage. As of mid-2024, Michigan has an installed solar capacity of 1.5GW, with projections for an additional 3.5GW over the next five years, positioning the state to meet its target of 100% renewable energy by 2040. Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently signed legislation to bolster the state's renewable energy contributions and achieve this ambitious goal.