For environmental engineer Eric Molnar, a day at the office is a passion project.
Since starting with our company in 2022, Eric has taken the opportunity to explore many facets of the work the environmental team does at DTE. From working on decommissioning power plants to pitching in at our wildlife habitats, he faces something new every day.
It’s been a natural fit for him.
“I enjoy the variety of challenges and the opportunity to make a real difference,” Eric said. “Each day brings new problems to solve.”
One of the challenges he tackled early in his career at DTE was taking the Trenton Channel Power Plant from a functioning power generation facility to a fully decommissioned site, clearing the way for the development of our new battery storage facility, which is slated for completion next year and is expected to be the largest standalone battery energy storage project in the Great Lakes region.
“I’m really proud of my involvement in the Trenton Channel decommissioning,” he said. “It was a complex project, but seeing the transformation of the land from a potentially hazardous area to a safe, usable space for the community was incredibly rewarding. It directly aligns with DTE’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”
This year, Eric also volunteered to share bald eagles with lucky members of the public at the Monroe Power Plant’s annual eagle tour. For someone as passionate about the environment as Eric, the opportunity was one he was excited about.
“It was a natural fit for me,” he said. “The eagle tours provide a unique opportunity to educate the public about these magnificent birds and the importance of protecting their habitat. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to share my knowledge and see people’s reactions when they spot an eagle.”
The tour is always a memorable experience for the lucky members of the public who get to participate, but it’s a special experience for the volunteers on the day, too.
“My favorite part of the eagle tour is seeing the excitement on people’s faces when they see the eagles,” Eric said. “Many have never seen a bald eagle in person, let alone dozens in one place.”
As he continues his career at DTE, he’s looking forward to continuing to solve problems, having an impact and advancing our environmental stewardship goals. It’s all another day at the office for Eric.
“I think it’s important for people to understand that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility. We all have a role to play in protecting our planet,” he said. “I’m proud to work for a company like DTE that is committed to sustainability and investing in a cleaner future. Knowing that my work contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment is incredibly fulfilling.”