Detroit Zoo to become 100% renewable

The Detroit Zoo will meet 100% of its electricity needs with renewables by purchasing power from three new wind parks in Michigan.

The plan will come true via a voluntary renewable energy programme of utility DTE Energy Co (NYSE:DTE) and will help mitigate more than 7,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, DTE said on Thursday. The utility will source the electricity from a 455-MW wind project portfolio, scheduled for commissioning late next year.

"Joining MIGreenPower is a major step forward for us, as our power needs significantly exceed what we can produce on-site," said Ron Kagan, executive director and CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society.

DTE received regulatory clearance to proceed with the acquisition of the three projects last month and will become their owner and operator following their completion. The 72-MW Fairbanks wind park in Delta County and the Isabella I & Isabella II plants in Isabella County, totalling 383 MW, will also generate electricity for some of DTE’s largest commercial and industrial clients, among which are Ford Motor Co (NYSE:F), General Motors (NYSE:GM) and the University of Michigan, the utility said previously.

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