Ford forges new clean energy agreement with DTE Energy

Ford recently announced that it has formed a new clean energy agreement with DTE Energy, a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services in the United States and Canada.

The agreement between the Blue Oval brand and the energy firm means that Ford will soon be able to attribute all its electricity supply in Michigan to clean energy, a major step toward Ford’s goal to reach carbon neutrality.

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

“We want to congratulate Ford Motor Company for its environmental leadership and commitment to clean 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,” commented DTE Energy Chairman and CEO Jerry Norcia.

As part of the new agreement announced today, DTE will add 650 megawatts of new solar energy capacity in Michigan for Ford by 2025. The purchase is a strategic investment in Michigan through DTE’s MIGreenPower program and is the largest renewable energy purchase ever made in the US from a utility.

DTE estimates that the construction of the solar arrays will create 250 temporary jobs and 10 permanent jobs. Local communities that host DTE’s renewable energy projects also benefit from the additional tax revenue these projects generate. Ford explains that this revenue can be used for community support services including roads, schools, libraries, and first responders.

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 Michigan 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, 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,” she added.

Photos from Ford

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