Detroit-based energy firm DTE Energy has finished construction on Cold Creek Solar Park, with funding help from auto giant Ford Motor Co. and its enrollment in DTE’s CleanVision MIGreenPower program.

Located near Coldwater in southern Michigan, the 100 MW solar installation will be key player in Ford’s decarbonization goals. The global automobile company has agreed to purchase up to 650 MW of renewable energy from DTE’s energy programs, which allow homes and businesses to attribute their energy usage to renewable power generated in Michigan.

DTE officials say every Ford vehicle manufactured in the Mitten State will be assembled with the equivalent of 100% carbon-free electricity by the end of 2027.

“Cold Creek Solar Park represents more than a new renewable energy project. It reflects what’s possible when customers and energy providers work together to accelerate Michigan’s clean energy future,” says Matt Paul, president and chief operating officer of DTE Electric. “Through MIGreenPower, we’re helping companies like Ford achieve their sustainability goals while building the renewable energy infrastructure that will power generations to come.”

Buildout across Michigan

DTE says its MIGreenPower program is “among the largest voluntary renewable energy programs in the country.” Additionally, the program has accelerated the development of renewable energy projects across Michigan, including Cold Creek Solar.

Alongside the electrical and environmental benefits, MIGreenPower and its associated projects are bringing jobs and tax revenue for local communities. The program aims to help Ford and other companies meet their sustainability goals through large-scale power purchase agreements.

“Cold Creek Solar Park is now delivering on the promise we made when we broke ground on this project — clean, reliable energy for our Michigan operations and for the communities where we build our vehicles,” says Amir Mirshahi, Ford’s director of energy infrastructure and engineering.

“Projects like this strengthen the resiliency of the grid that our plants, our employees and our neighbors all depend on. Investments like Cold Creek are about more than meeting our own sustainability goals — they’re about being a good neighbor and a strong partner to the communities that support us.”

DTE currently has 36 solar parks across the state of Michigan, as well as 20 wind parks. Together, these 56 projects generate enough energy to power nearly 1 million homes, and work toward the state’s goal of 60% renewable energy usage by 2035.

Tags: commercial and industrial, DTE Energy, Ford Motor Co., project, sustainability