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DTE Energy will build a battery energy storage facility at the former Trenton Channel coal plant, which will mark the largest coal plant-to-energy storage conversion in the Great Lakes region. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the center will be able to store up to 220 megawatts of electricity, enough to power around 40,000 homes. The project, which received $140 million in tax incentives from the 2022 federal Inflation Reduction Act, is part of DTE’s clean energy strategy and will help Michigan achieve its renewable energy target of 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2040.
DTE Energy to Construct Massive Energy Storage Facility at Former Trenton Coal Plant
DTE Energy revealed plans on Monday to build a significant battery energy storage facility at the retired Trenton Channel coal plant. This marks the largest conversion project from coal plant to energy storage in the Great Lakes region, according to DTE Energy CEO and Chairman Jerry Norcia.
The facility, expected to be operational by 2026, will be among the biggest battery arrays in the Midwest. It will hold the capacity to store up to 220 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power nearly 40,000 homes. The center will store excess electricity and distribute it during periods of high demand.
DTE has been granted $140 million in tax incentives under the 2022 federal Inflation Reduction Act. This relief will be passed onto customers, leading to lower bills.
Related: DTE Energy is requesting another rate increase, this time for $456M
The proposed project falls under DTE’s CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan, and aligns Michigan closer to its goal of achieving 60% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% clean energy by 2040. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer noted that this single center would help achieve 10% of the statewide storage goal.
Decommissioned in 2022 after almost a century of operation, the Trenton Channel Power Plant was part of DTE’s net-zero carbon emissions initiative. Trenton Mayor Steve Rzeppa acknowledged DTE’s commitment to the site and community, and the benefits new technology will bring to Trenton and DTE’s 2-million strong customer base.
DTE Energy has plans for more battery storage sites. Once completed, these projects collectively will allow the utility to deliver clean energy efficiently to its 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan.
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