North America based automaker and mobility provider Stellantis announced that it has partnered with DTE, one of the largest producers of and investors in renewable energy in Michigan. Through DTE's MIGreenPower voluntary renewable energy program, both the companies are committed to adding 400 MW of new solar projects in Michigan. This would be enough to power 130,000 homes annually. This energy commitment will avoid over 670,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Excited about this development, COO, Stellantis North America Mark Stewart said, "While this day and this historic agreement are about clean and efficient power, I'd like to suggest that today is also about the power of partnerships in this new era of sustainable mobility. This agreement is an outstanding example of how truly great companies like DTE Energy and Stellantis can unleash their passion and expertise to shape a more sustainable world for our customers and our communities."
Responding to this, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer DTE Energy, Jerry Norcia said, "We want to thank Stellantis for being a great partner, for joining MIGreenPower and for supporting the development of new solar energy projects here in Michigan. Investments like this accelerate our state's transition to clean energy, create jobs and strengthen our state's economy."
The MIGreenPower program of DTE is among the largest voluntary renewable energy programs in the US. The company has till date over 800 businesses enrolled in the program, along with over 75,000 residential customers. MIGreenPower customers have enrolled 4 million megawatt hours of clean energy in the program on an annual basis. This is equivalent to avoiding over 3 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Stellantis, as part of its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, had earlier announced aggressive goals to achieve carbon net zero globally by 2038. The company is eyeing to cut CO2 emissions to half by the end of the decade, using 2021 metrics as the benchmark.
Now by participating in the MIGreenPower, Stellantis will be able to convert 70 southeast Michigan sites (manufacturing and non-manufacturing) to solar by 2026. This will reduce the company's carbon emissions in North America by 50% and across its manufacturing facilities by 30%.