DTE Energy will increase Michigan’s solar power capacity to 650 MW by 2025 in order to support Ford Motor Co. The power purchase agreement (PPA) is a strategic investment in Michigan through DTE’s MIGreenPower program. It is the largest renewable energy purchase made by a utility in the United States. According to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SIA), the arrays will almost double the amount of solar energy installed in Michigan once they are installed.
“This unprecedented agreement is all about a greener and brighter future for Ford and for Michigan,” says Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford Motor Co. “Today is an example of what it looks like to lead…to turn talk into action.”
“We want to congratulate Ford Motor Co. for its environmental leadership and commitment to clean energy,” states Jerry Norcia, chairman and CEO of DTE Energy. “Ford was the first large industrial customer to enroll in our MIGreenPower program in 2019 and we thank Ford for its continued commitment to using MIGreenPower to help decarbonize its operations and meet its sustainability goals.”
Ford is purchasing carbon-free electricity through DTE’s MIGreenPower program, which is among the largest voluntary renewable energy programs in the country. More than 600 businesses have enrolled in DTE’s MIGreenPower program, along with 62,000 residential customers. MIGreenPower customers have invested 2.8 million MWh in clean energy annually. DTE is Michigan’s largest producer of renewable energy and the company plans to add thousands of MWs of new clean energy projects to support the program.
“I want to congratulate DTE Energy and Ford Motor Company for taking this significant step to increase our state’s solar energy production and to position Michigan as a leader in climate action,” comments Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Efforts like this are the reason Michigan had the best job growth for energy-sector jobs in the country last year, which will help to advance our state’s decarbonization goals, create good-paying jobs and strengthen our economy.”
“As outlined in our state’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, we must take immediate, tangible steps to mitigate climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions so we can achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050,” continues Gov. Whitmer. “Steps like this collaboration between Ford and DTE are helping to move our entire state forward, building on our automotive legacy while protecting clean air and water for future generations.”