DETROIT, Sept. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy
(NYSE: DTE) today announced a goal to achieve net zero carbon
emissions in its electric company by 2050. This bold new goal sets
the framework for DTE to go beyond its existing commitment to
reduce carbon emissions 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2040, ensuring its
medium- and long-term plans align with the scientific consensus
around the importance of achieving significant economy-wide carbon
emissions reduction by mid-century.
In early 2017, DTE was the first energy company in Michigan and one of two in the nation to step
forward and commit to an 80% carbon reduction goal — a strong move
that other energy companies across the country have since followed.
Just a few months ago, DTE accelerated its commitment, moving up
its 80% carbon reduction goal by 10 years.
"We are fully committed to doing our part to dramatically reduce
carbon emissions from DTE Electric," said Jerry Norcia, chief executive officer, DTE
Energy. "Setting the goal of net zero carbon emissions for our
electric company by 2050 is an important next step that builds on
our existing commitments. This is the right thing to do for our
customers, business and the environment. We are doing as much as we
can, as fast as we can, to provide our customers and the state of
Michigan with clean energy that is
affordable and reliable. And we invite everyone in the state to
join us as we work together to build a cleaner energy future for
Michiganders.
"Just as we have played a leadership role in the industry in our
carbon emissions commitments, we are committed to playing a leading
role and partnering with others to develop technologies that can
further reduce emissions," added Norcia. "Additionally, we will
work with policy makers to advocate for focused research on carbon
offsets, high volume storage and carbon capture
technologies."
Achieving carbon neutrality will require further advancements in
technology, such as carbon capture, large-scale storage, and
modular nuclear facilities.
"As schools, businesses and communities throughout Michigan strive to become more energy
efficient, there is a significant opportunity to reduce carbon
emissions in a way that provides affordable clean energy, protects
our environment and benefits Michigan's economy," said U.S.
Senator Gary Peters, a member of
the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and
Transportation. "I welcome DTE's goal to achieve net zero
carbon emissions by 2050, and I'll continue focusing on supporting
clean energy efforts and technologies in the Senate."
The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) President
Bob Perciasepe also applauded
DTE Energy for its commitment to clean energy.
"DTE Energy is pushing the envelope with this ambitious
mid-century, net-zero target," said Perciasepe. "The great wisdom
of this plan is the technology-inclusive approach combining
renewable wind and solar along with a focus on needed R&D in
carbon capture, zero-carbon nuclear generation and battery storage
capability to reach steeper greenhouse gas emission reductions more
quickly."
As Michigan's clean energy
leader, DTE Energy is on pace to triple its renewable capacity in
the next 10 years and has developed some of the largest wind and
solar installations in the Midwest. To date, the company has driven
investment of $2.8 billion in
Michigan-made renewables and
expects to double that in the next five years.
Other local, state, and national clean energy advocates also
expressed support for DTE's net zero goal:
Michigan Senate Energy and
Technology Committee Chair Dan
Lauwers, and Representative Joe
Bellino, chair of the Michigan House Energy Committee issued
a joint statement. "As a major employer in our districts,
we have seen DTE fulfill its commitments over the years to provide
safe, affordable and reliable power and be a positive local
presence in our communities. We applaud DTE's new goal as it sets a
"true north" course for Michigan
without sacrificing their focus on affordability and
reliability."
"The issue of climate control and clean energy are among the
most critical concerns that many of us have for not only the next
generation but for those living in the current environmental
situation," said Rev. Dr. Wendell
Anthony, President, Detroit
Branch NAACP. "I am pleased to see DTE take the lead in the
drive to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. They will play
a leading role with industry and government in research and
development allowing energy companies to further reduce emissions
in some cases even sooner than anticipated. The environment is
speaking loudly and clearly to all of us on the issue of climate
conditions. I am encouraged that DTE is now speaking back, through
technology, wind, solar and renewable energy, declaring that we
hear you and now we are increasing our response to you."
"The Clean Air Task Force welcomes DTE's leadership in joining a
select group of US companies now totaling nearly 40% of US
electricity sales which have committed to net zero carbon emissions
by mid-century - the target we need to meet to stabilize Earth's
climate. Now the task is to commercialize and deploy the full range
of zero carbon technologies that will help us achieve that goal,
and CATF looks forward to working with DTE on that effort. The
commitment of DTE and its peers to net zero carbon electricity
should also be matched by our federal leaders, since it is now
clear that the nation's leading energy companies are prepared to
meet that goal."
– Armond Cohen, executive
director, Clean Air Task Force
About DTE Energy
DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company
involved in the development and management of energy-related
businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an
electric company serving 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company
serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy
businesses focused on power and industrial projects, renewable
natural gas, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and
energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE will
reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80 percent
by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe,
reliable and affordable. DTE is committed to serving with its
energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives,
philanthropy and economic progress. Information about DTE is
available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com,
twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com.
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SOURCE DTE Energy