DTE Energy has announced that it is seeking permission to build a natural gas-fired power plant northeast of Detroit, USA, as the utility moves forward with plans to close coal-fired plants. If approved, the plans call for ground breaking for the plant, valued at nearly $1 billion, in 2019 in St Clair County, with the St Clair coal-fired power plant being shut down 2020-2023.
The Michigan Public Service Commission will review the request, and will respond within nine months. If approved, DTE said the plant will generate 1000 MW in 2022.
In addition to closing the St Clair coal-fired plant, DTE has said it will also remove the River Rouge and Trenton Channel coal-fired plants from service. Over the long term, DTE plans to produce over 75 per cent of its power from renewable energy and natural gas-fired plants.