1. Prospective bidders can register for virtual pre-RFP conference on 23 May and bids are due by 2 August.
2. DTE plans to sign contracts by Q1 2025 and require projects to be online by 31 March 2027 in line with transitioning to low-carbon sources.
3. DTE aims to increase energy storage to 6% by 2029, grow renewable energy to 62% by 2042, and eliminate coal from 2033 in alignment with Michigan’s energy storage target and clean energy legislation.
DTE Energy is seeking bids for projects aligned with its long-term integrated resource plan to transition to low-carbon sources and achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company plans to retire its last two coal-fired power plants and increase the proportion of renewable energy and energy storage in its generation mix.
Currently, DTE’s generation mix includes 45% coal, 14% renewable energy, 19% natural gas and nuclear each, and 3% energy storage. The company aims to increase storage to 6% by 2029 and renewables to 32% by 2042 while phasing out coal entirely by 2033.
DTE Energy already has a pumped hydro energy storage facility and battery energy storage system assets in operation, as well as plans for a new lithium-ion BESS project. Michigan recently set an energy storage target of 2,500MW by 2030, as part of a commitment to a 100% clean energy standard by 2040.
Industry experts see strong potential for energy storage in the wider MISO grid and wholesale electricity market territory, driven by the need to reduce reliance on coal for electricity generation. Michigan’s initiatives are seen as leading the way for other Midwest states to follow suit in transitioning to clean energy sources.