DTE Energy—a US-based renewables company—has announced the launch of its 150-MW Sauk Solar plant in Branch County, Michigan.
Sauk Solar to Power 40,000 Homes via DTE’s CleanVision
DTE Energy, Michigan’s leading renewable energy producer and investor has announced the launch of its largest solar plant—Sauk Solar—now operational in Branch County, central Michigan. This 150-megawatt facility, featuring nearly 347,000 solar panels produces clean energy sufficient to power about 40,000 homes. It’s the first of the six new solar parks to be launched, all funded by DTE’s CleanVision MIGreenPower program.
“As our largest solar park yet, Sauk Solar is a major accomplishment for DTE and all the teams that made it happen – but it’s also the first in a series of new solar developments that will have a major impact on the state of Michigan as a whole. Building out these parks is not only a critical step in ending our use of coal by 2032, but it will also help us meet our sustainability goals and deliver the clean, Michigan-made renewable energy our customers want. We thank the leaders and residents of Union Township, Branch County and Union City for helping make the new park a reality, so together we can strengthen local economies and build a cleaner energy future for generations to come.” said Matt Paul, president and chief operating officer, DTE Electric.
Sauk Solar Drives DTE’s Push for 60% Renewable Energy by 2035
Sauk Solar is over three times larger than DTE's second-largest solar park in Lapeer and marks the first of six new solar parks launching as DTE expands its renewable energy projects to meet customer demand for clean energy through its CleanVision MIGreenPower program. Sauk Solar, along with five additional parks under construction is funded by customers voluntarily enrolled in MIGreenPower.
Sauk Solar (Image: Collected)
These new solar parks play a crucial role in advancing DTE’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions and achieving Michigan's new renewable energy target of 60% by 2035.
Sauk Solar created more than 350 local jobs during construction. Since 2009, the company’s investment in renewable energy has created an estimated 20,000 jobs in Michigan. Additionally, Sauk Solar will bring Branch County millions of dollars in added tax revenue over the life of the project, funding which can be used for roads, schools, first responders and other vital community services.
“DTE has been a great partner. It’s been exciting to collaborate with DTE on this knowing we’re not only creating a cleaner world for our kids and grandkids but also bringing real, lasting change to our local economy.” said Bud Norman, Branch County administrator and controller.
DTE Targets 5.5 Million Homes with Renewable Energy by 2042
DTE currently generates enough clean energy from wind and solar to power over 750,000 homes and aims to reach approximately 5.5 million homes by 2042. Through its MIGreenPower program—one of the nation's largest voluntary renewable energy initiatives—this transition to clean energy is accelerating. Nearly 100,000 residential and 1,900 business customers are enrolled, and DTE plans to add over 2,400 megawatts of new wind and solar capacity in the next decade to support this growth.
DTE Energy is a diversified energy company that develops and manages energy-related businesses and services across the U.S. Its operations include an electric utility serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.3 million customers statewide.
DTE’s portfolio also features businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation and energy marketing and trading. Committed to accelerating its carbon reduction goals, DTE supports communities through volunteer efforts, educational and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emissions reduction and economic development.