Detroit-based DTE Energy has announced a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions within its electric company by 2050.
This new goal sets a framework for DTE to go beyond its existing commitment to reduce carbon emissions 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2040.
“We are fully committed to doing our part to dramatically reduce carbon emissions from DTE Electric,” says Jerry Norcia, CEO of 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.”
Achieving carbon neutrality will require further advancements in technology, such as carbon capture, large-scale storage and modular nuclear facilities, the company says.
“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,” says U.S. Sen. 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.”
DTE Energy says it is on pace to triple its renewable capacity in the next 10 years. 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.
“DTE’s announcement is part of a growing – and essential – trend among major U.S. utilities,” states Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund. “In recent months Xcel Energy and Duke Energy have also committed to cutting climate pollution and accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy. It is good to see leaders in the power sector stepping up the pace of change.”
