When DTE builds a wind or solar project, providing cleaner energy for our customers isn’t the only benefit. We’re also strengthening local economies by creating thousands of new jobs across the state and an influx of spending in the communities that host our projects.
Each wind or solar project creates hundreds of jobs during construction, utilizing Michigan-based construction companies and primarily union workers. For example, our Fish Creek Solar Park, which we began building in spring of 2024, created 550 construction jobs, 450 of those being union jobs.
“We spend a lot of time and resources with our construction contractors, so it’s important to give back to them and develop lasting relationships,” said Joe Gerweck, director, Renewable Energy Development, DTE Energy. “We’re committed to supporting their companies’ growth, offering a variety of safety, project management and leadership skills trainings.”
While constructing a wind or solar project, these contractors spend money at local businesses like restaurants, hotels and grocery stores. But communities in our renewable energy project areas see the benefits of added spending even beyond construction. Once a project is operational, the landowners who host renewable energy infrastructure will receive supplemental income they can spend at local businesses; and the wind or solar park will have several permanent, full-time employees working locally.
Additionally, these wind or solar technician jobs often go to people from the community, allowing our new team members to raise their families right where they were raised themselves.
“I like working in the renewables space because I enjoy the comradery with my coworkers and simultaneously believe in the work I’m doing,” said Anthony London, solar technician, DTE Energy. “At DTE in particular, I have had the pleasure of working with seriously good people with great minds – leaders who see my potential and push me in the right direction, listen to my ideas and are openly appreciative of the work I do.”
Since 2009, DTE’s investment in renewable energy has created 20,000 jobs. With six new solar parks currently under construction and plans to do even more, Michigan economies will see the benefits of our renewable energy investments for generations to come.