Wind Energy

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Harnessing the winds of change.

Wind is the most abundant clean energy source in Michigan. So it’s only natural we are the state’s largest investor in this environmentally friendly technology.
DTE is leading the way toward a green energy future and is committed to providing customers with energy that is safer, cleaner and more affordable. Wind is a completely renewable and non-polluting energy source. It is emissions-free and reduces environmental impact.

Capturing the power of the wind provides many benefits to our customers, the environment, landowners and our stakeholders. Once the equipment is in place, the operating costs of producing wind-based electricity is less than traditional generation technologies.

Wind energy is a variable power source, meaning we will still need 24/7 power sources. Wind energy is still important, however, because it helps reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and secure our energy independence.

Wind Energy in Michigan

Wind Energy in Michigan
Michigan ranks 13th in the nation for installed wind energy capacity and 14th for the number of turbines installed. The area around the Great Lakes is particularly well-suited for wind energy development because of the availability of higher wind speeds across flat land.

Since 2009, DTE has driven investment of $2.8 billion in renewable energy assets. We will invest an additional $2.7 over the next five years and more than double the renewable energy in our portfolio. The cost of wind generation has decreased significantly as the technology has advanced and the industry has expanded, making wind energy the most cost-effective renewable energy resource in Michigan right now.

Community benefits of wind energy Wind parks are creating jobs and strengthening economies in the communities where they are located. Hear how wind energy is benefiting rural communities in Michigan.

As the state’s largest investor in and producer of wind energy, DTE produces enough energy from renewable sources to power more than 500,000 homes.

Renewable Energy Project Map

Renewable Energy Project Map
DTE Energy is Michigan’s largest producer of renewable energy. Our 14 wind parks and 31 solar arrays generate enough clean energy to power 500,000 homes.

Check out where our current projects are located on our renewable energy project map.
View the Map

Wind development process

Wind development can require up to 5 years for siting, zoning, feasibility and environmental studies, permits and construction. The exact timeframe required to complete a wind project is dictated by site and project specifics.

The size of a wind park depends on the area of land available, additional electrical demand required and available electrical system capacity.

Once complete, turbines and their service roads require only 3 to 5 percent of the total land in the wind park. The vast majority of the land remains available for other uses, such as farming or grazing.

View the wind development process.

Wind development steps

Here are just a few of the specific development activities our team performs:

  • Seeking community feedback through multiple meetings and open houses
  • Performing three years worth of wildlife studies, including migration analyses
  • Installing meteorological (MET) towers to gather weather data, such as wind speed, direction, temperature, pressure and icing conditions
  • Reviewing local zoning and permitting requirements
  • Consulting drainage tile maps for collector system design
  • Working with multiple local agencies like planning commissions and road and drain commissions
  • Educational presentations at schools, civic clubs, meetings and events
  • Establishing a complaint resolution process
  • Aiding landowners with title clearance issues
  • Serving on advisory panels, including Great Lakes Wind Collaborative and Utility Variable-Generation Integration Group.

    Benefits to Property Owners

    Property owners who lease land for a wind park receive annual payments, much of which will be spent in the local economy.

    Benefits to Municipalities

    Counties and townships receive tax revenue from the wind park owner, providing funding for police and fire, roads, schools, and other community services.

    Benefits to Property Owners

    The installation and maintenance of the wind park creates both temporary and permanent jobs.

    Benefits to the Economy

    The people employed in the construction or operation of a wind park will be spending money in their area, boosting the local economy.

    Benefits to Farmers

    Once a wind park is constructed and operating, 95% of the land is still suitable for farming.
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