As DTE Energy continues to focus on building cleaner, more sustainable energy sources such as wind and solar, we’re also looking at ways to make those resources more efficient. A vital way to ensure we’re making the most of our renewable energy generation is energy storage. But what exactly is energy storage, and why do we need it?
Energy storage 101
Energy storage is the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time. This helps ensure we have energy ready to go when our customers need it most. Energy storage allows renewable energy sources like wind and solar to power more of our electric grid, since we can capture the energy produced when those resources are abundant. Wind and solar parks are some of the most cost-effective forms of energy generation, and energy storage will help us take full advantage of these clean energy sources as we work on preventing future climate change.
Why we need energy storage
The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant, which DTE co-owns with Consumers Energy, has a 2,292-megwatt capacity that can power more than 673,000 homes.
As DTE shifts to cleaner sources of generation, we are relying on energy storage technologies for several reasons. Energy storage helps us:
- Ensure we can meet our customers’ electricity needs.
- Provide additional support to the electric grid.
- Capture the energy produced when wind and solar are abundant and utilize it when electricity demand is high.
- Optimize output from renewable energy resources.
DTE’s energy storage experience
We currently own and operate three energy storage facilities in Michigan: two battery storage facilities located at solar energy sites and the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant, a hydroelectric plant and long-duration storage facility on the shores of Lake Michigan co-owned with Consumers Energy.
Additionally, our Slocum Battery Energy Storage System, a 14-megawatt, 4-hour duration lithium-ion battery facility pilot in Trenton, Michigan, is expected to be operational in January 2025. We are also developing a 220-megawatt, 4-hour duration energy storage project at the former Trenton Channel Power Plant site that will begin operation in 2026.
Rendering of what Trenton Channel Energy Center will look like when completed.
DTE’s energy storage future
We plan to build new energy storage facilities at locations with existing connections to the grid: retired or soon-to-be retired coal plants, renewable generation facilities and peaker units (power plants that generally run only when there is a high – or ‘peak’ – demand for electricity).
By 2042, DTE plans to have 2,950 megawatts of energy storage capacity, more than doubling the amount we have today.