DTE Energy Aims for Zero-Carbon Power by 2050

DTE Energy Company plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from electric generation by 2050, building on its existing commitment to cut emissions 50 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2040, according to a Sept. 26 news release. The company said that achieving carbon neutrality requires technological advancements in carbon capture, large-scale storage, and modular nuclear facilities, and committed to work with policymakers to advance efforts that can further emissions reductions.

DTE also noted that it is on track to triple its renewable capacity in the next decade, and has driven investment of $2.8 billion in Michigan-made renewables. The company expects to double the investment in the next five years.

The company’s latest integrated resource plan filed with Michigan regulators in March proposes to add about 700 megawatts of wind and 11 megawatts of solar plus storage projects over the next five years. The IRP proposes to invest $2 billion in renewables over the next five years, paving the way to more than double its generation from the zero-emitting sources. DTE wants to accelerate the retirement of its aging coal fleet, planning to close 2.5 gigawatts of generating capacity in 2022, one year ahead of the original schedule. The company also expects to add up to 414 megawatts of natural gas fired generation around 2030.