DTE Energy has announced plans to cut carbon emissions by 80 percent, and eliminate coal-fired power plants from its list of electricity sources.
The utility provides electric service to much of southeast Michigan and the Thumb. The goal is to cut emissions to 80 percent of 2005 levels by 2050, while boosting DTE’s renewable energy portfolio.
Company leaders said on Tuesday that includes installing 6,000 megawatts of renewable energy generating capacity, which is enough to power nearly two million homes.
"Over the past two years we have studied the engineering and economics of Michigan's energy future very, very carefully," said Gerry Anderson, DTE Chairman and CEO. "We have concluded that not only is the 80 percent reduction goal achievable – it is achievable in a way that keeps Michigan's power affordable and reliable. There doesn't have to be a choice between the health of our environment or the health of our economy; we can achieve both."
DTE also plans to expand the production of electricity using natural gas, and complete a $5 billion upgrade to the electric grid.
"We need to lead by example by reducing water and energy use at DTE as we work with customers to do the same," Anderson said.
