DTE Energy receives approval to purchase 3 US wind parks

DTE Energy has announced that the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has provided conditional approval for its proposed purchase of three new Michigan wind parks.

DTE will assume ownership and operation of all three projects upon completion, slated for the fourth quarter of 2020. The new wind parks will add 455 MW of renewable energy to DTE's generation mix, enough to power 107,000 homes. The company will use at least two of the new wind projects to meet the renewable energy needs of its largest commercial and industrial customers, including Ford, General Motors and the University of Michigan, who have enrolled in MIGreenPower, DTE's voluntary renewable energy program.

MPSC decision clears the way for DTE to purchase Michigan's largest wind parks, Isabella I & Isabella II, from Apex Clean Energy. The two projects, totaling 383 MW and located in mid-Michigan's Isabella County, will be the largest clean energy projects in the state as well as the largest renewable energy projects in DTE's portfolio when they begin commercial operation in 2020. Apex will start construction on the projects later this year. DTE also will purchase Fairbanks Wind from Heritage Sustainable Energy, a Traverse City-based wind developer. The 72 MW park will be located in Delta County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. While this park was approved as part of DTE Energy's renewable energy plan, it may alternatively be used to support additional sales under the company's MIGreenPower program.