DTE Energy, a US-based renewables company, has launched its new 150-MW Sauk Solar park in Branch County, Michigan.
Sauk Solar to Power 40,000 Homes via DTE’s CleanVision
Now operational in Branch County, the Sauk Solar park is DTE Energy’s largest solar facility to date. As Michigan’s leading renewable energy producer and investor, DTE’s new 150-megawatt plant features nearly 347,000 solar panels and produces enough clean energy to power about 40,000 homes. It’s the first of six new solar parks funded by DTE’s CleanVision MIGreenPower program.
“As our largest solar park yet, Sauk Solar is a major accomplishment for DTE and all the teams that made it happen – but it’s also the first in a series of new solar developments that will have a major impact on the state of Michigan as a whole. Building out these parks is not only a critical step in ending our use of coal by 2032, but it will also help us meet our sustainability goals and deliver the clean, Michigan-made renewable energy our customers want. We thank the leaders and residents of Union Township, Branch County and Union City for helping make the new park a reality, so together we can strengthen local economies and build a cleaner energy future for generations to come,” said Matt Paul, president and chief operating officer, DTE Electric.
Sauk Solar Drives DTE’s Push for 60% Renewable Energy by 2035
At over three times the size of DTE’s next-largest solar park in Lapeer, Sauk Solar marks a significant expansion of the company’s renewable energy portfolio. It is the first of six new solar facilities launching to meet customer demand through the CleanVision MIGreenPower program. Sauk Solar and the five other parks currently under construction are all funded by customers who have voluntarily enrolled in MIGreenPower.
These new solar parks play a crucial role in advancing DTE’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions and achieving Michigan’s new renewable energy target of 60% by 2035.
During its construction phase, Sauk Solar created more than 350 local jobs. Since 2009, the company’s investment in renewable energy has generated an estimated 20,000 jobs across Michigan. The Sauk Solar project will also bring millions of dollars in tax revenue to Branch County over its lifetime, providing funds for roads, schools, first responders, and other vital community services.
“DTE has been a great partner. It’s been exciting to collaborate with DTE on this knowing we’re not only creating a cleaner world for our kids and grandkids but also bringing real, lasting change to our local economy,” said Bud Norman, Branch County administrator and controller.
DTE Targets 5.5 Million Homes with Renewable Energy by 2042
DTE currently generates enough clean energy from wind and solar to power over 750,000 homes, with the goal of reaching approximately 5.5 million homes by 2042. This transition is accelerating through its MIGreenPower program—one of the nation’s largest voluntary renewable energy initiatives. With nearly 100,000 residential and 1,900 business customers enrolled, DTE plans to add over 2,400 megawatts of new wind and solar capacity in the next decade to support this growth.
DTE Energy is a diversified energy company that develops and manages energy-related businesses and services across the U.S. Its operations include an electric utility serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.3 million customers statewide.
DTE’s portfolio also includes businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. Committed to accelerating its carbon reduction goals, DTE supports communities through volunteer efforts, educational and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emissions reduction, and economic development.