DTE Energy to Build Three Michigan Wind Farms

DTE Energy  (NYSE: DTE) announced the locations of three new wind farms the utility plans to build in Michigan.

The Minden, Sigel and McKinley wind farms – which together will generate about 110 megawatts (MW) of electricity – will be sited on nearly 15,000 acres in Bloomfield, Sigel and McKinley townships in Huron County, and Minden and Delaware townships in Sanilac County.

"This is a great opportunity to bring more renewable energy to our service area, and also a way to grow the renewable energy industry in Michigan," says Trevor Lauer, DTE Energy vice president, Marketing & Renewables. "These wind farms will add to the green job base, the tax base and provide many other economic development opportunities. Statistics show that nearly five jobs are created for every megawatt of installed wind capacity."

DTE Energy has acquired easements on 80,000 acres in Huron County, as well as completed wind and wildlife studies at the three wind farm sites. The company is reviewing bids from turbine manufacturers, and it is expected that approximately 50 wind turbines will be deployed.

Total investment is expected to be about $225 million.
Besides selecting a turbine manufacturer, DTE Energy also will seek a construction company and begin the permitting process that will lead to construction next year.

The wind farm development is part of DTE Energy’s plan to meet Michigan’s renewable energy goals. DTE Energy expects to add about 1,200 MW of renewable power, or about 10% of its power by 2015. The company plans to own facilities to supply up to half of that power and contract with third-party producers for the remainder.

DTE Energy expects the majority of its renewable energy to come from wind resources, but it also has two solar energy pilot programs that could produce 20 MW. The utility’s renewable energy capacity under contract is nearly 4% of total generation.