Ford Enters Clean Energy Agreement with DTE Energy

Ford Motor Company has entered a new clean energy agreement with DTE Energy, Michigan’s largest producer of renewable energy, that will allow Ford to attribute all of its electricity supply in Michigan to clean energy very soon. This agreement marks a big step forward in Ford’s efforts to achieve total carbon neutrality. DTE will be adding 650 megawatts of new solar energy capacity in Michigan for Ford over the next three years. This purchase is not only a strategic investment in Michigan through DTE’s MIGreenPower program, but it’s also the largest renewable energy purchase ever made in the U.S. from a utility. The arrays, once they’re fully operational, will increase Michigan’s total amount of installed solar energy by almost 70%.

“This unprecedented agreement is all about a greener and brighter future for Ford and for Michigan,” said Jim Farley, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “Today is an example of what it looks like to lead… to turn talk into action.”

DTE has created over 4,000 jobs in Michigan since 2009 through renewable energy investments. The construction of these new solar arrays will create an estimated 250 temporary jobs as well as 10 permanent jobs, and will generate additional tax revenue that can benefit local communities by supporting things like roads, schools, libraries and first responders.

“We want to congratulate Ford Motor Company for its environmental leadership and commitment to clean energy,” said Jerry Norcia, chairman and CEO, DTE Energy. “Ford was the first large industrial customer to enroll in our MIGreenPower program in 2019 and we thank Ford for its continued commitment to using MIGreenPower to help decarbonize its operations and meet its sustainability goals.”

DTE’s MIGreenPower program, through which Ford is purchasing carbon-free energy, is one of the largest voluntary renewable energy programs in the US. Over 600 businesses are enrolled in the program and over 62,000 residential customers. Together, these MIGreenPower customers have enrolled 2.8 million megawatt hours of clean energy per year, creating the environmental benefit of avoiding 2.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

“I want to congratulate DTE Energy and Ford Motor Company for taking this significant step to increase our state’s solar energy production and to position Michigan as a leader in climate action,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Efforts like this are the reason Michigan had the best job growth for energy-sector jobs in the country last year, which will help to advance our state’s decarbonization goals, create good-paying jobs and strengthen our economy.”

“As outlined in our state’s MI Healthy Climate Plan,” Governor Whitmer continues, “we must take immediate, tangible steps to mitigate climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions so we can achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050. Steps like this collaboration between Ford and DTE are helping to move our entire state forward, building on our automotive legacy while protecting clean air and water for future generations.”