DTE Energy Plans to Cut Carbon Footprint By 80%
2050 deadline for closing coal power plants and expanding renewable sources
A Michigan energy company says it plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 80% in the coming years. DTE Energy says it’s new plan to address climate change is the most aggressive among energy companies across the country. DTE Energy President, Trevor Lauer says by retiring coal-fired power plants and replacing them with renewable sources, including natural gas, wind and solar power, the company can progressively cut emissions. Lauer says using 2005 as a baseline, the company has already reduced its footprint by 25-percent.
“By 2040 we will have reduced our carbon emissions by 75% and we will retire our last coal fired power plant in 2040. And 60% of our generation will come from zero emission sources, nuclear and renewables. And then by 2050, we will achieve in excess of 80% carbon reduction”
Lauer says making the changes over a 30-year span, should allow the company to maintain reliable power that is affordable for ratepayers.
