The agreement is the first signed by Detroit Edison following passage in fall 2008 of a new state law, which needs Michigan’s electric utilities to provide 10% of their power from renewable resources by 2015.
The wind turbines that can generate around 15 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, are anticipated to become operational by late 2009.
DTE Energy expects the majority of its renewable energy to come from wind resources. The company has acquired easements on over 60,000 acres of land in Huron county in Michigan’s Thumb region for development of wind farms. It has proposed two solar energy pilot projects that could generate about 20 MW of power.
In order to meet the state’s renewable portfolio standard, Detroit Edison anticipates to add about 1,200 MW of renewable power. It is planning to enter into contract with third-party producers, for half of that capacity. It also plans to own renewable energy projects to meet the remainder.
This is the first of many agreements we will be signing to provide renewable energy to our customers, said Tony Earley, chairman and chief executive officer of DTE Energy, parent company of Detroit Edison. Michigan’s new energy law will encourage the development of renewable energy projects in the state, providing Michigan-based companies like Heritage with incredible growth opportunities today and in the future.
