DTE Considers Milan Township for Natural Gas Power Plant
DTE Energy is considering a natural gas power plant in Milan Township, Michigan, to replace its retiring Monroe Power Plant. The preliminary proposal, which is not connected to a nearby data center, is under review by township officials and residents who have raised environmental and infrastructure concerns. The Milan Township Planning Commission is also reviewing a relevant ordinance for power plants.
DTE Energy is exploring a proposal to construct a natural gas-fired power plant on a 161-acre property in Milan Township, Michigan. This initiative is driven by the upcoming retirement of the utility's 3,200-megawatt Monroe Power Plant, with half scheduled for decommissioning by 2028 and the remainder by 2032. Although preliminary, DTE officials presented their plans to the Milan Township Board on August 13, indicating the plant could occupy 30-40 acres with stacks up to 200 feet tall. The company emphasized that this proposed power plant is not directly linked to a nearby proposed data center in Dundee Township, clarifying it would feed electricity into the broader grid.
The decision to consider Milan Township is partly due to its access to the NEXUS natural gas pipeline. DTE plans for an air-cooled combined-cycle natural gas plant, which would avoid groundwater use and potentially extend municipal water service from the Village of Dundee. Initial discussions about water availability have occurred, but more work is needed. The company currently has no plans for carbon capture equipment.
Residents and township officials raised concerns during the presentation, focusing on noise, visibility, water infrastructure, environmental impacts, and tax revenue distribution for neighboring communities. The Milan Township Planning Commission is actively reviewing a new ordinance specifically for gas and electrical power plants, with a battery storage ordinance expected to follow. Clerk Stephanie Kozar encouraged residents to submit further questions to the township, which will be compiled and forwarded to DTE for public response. DTE continues to evaluate the site's suitability, with no site agreement in place and the Township Board having taken no immediate action.