Duke Energy to operate and maintain DTE’s 400MW wind parks in Michigan, US

Duke Energy Renewable Services, a part of Duke Energy Renewables, has entered into a five-year service agreement to operate and maintain DTE Energy’s seven wind parks, with a total capacity of 400MW in Gratiot, Sanilac and Huron counties, Michigan, US.

Operational since 2013, the wind parks are equipped with 247 1.6 and 1.7MW GE turbines.

Apart from the operations and maintenance services, Duke Energy has started providing round the clock remote monitoring and balance-of-plant management services to DTE from last month.

Duke Energy Renewables commercial portfolio president Greg Wolf said: “DTE Energy shares in our commitment to safe and efficient operations, which ensures a beneficial partnership for years to come.”

The company’s Renewable Energy Monitoring Centre uses secure technology to increase the performance and reliability of wind and solar power plants across the country.

DTE Energy renewable energy director Dave Harwood said: “DTE Energy is Michigan’s largest investor in renewable energy, and wind energy accounts for 95 percent of our renewable portfolio.

“Wind energy plays a key role in delivering reliable, affordable and clean energy to DTE customers.

“We are confident that the expertise and knowledge Duke Energy Renewable Services brings to our team will help us further optimise our wind park operations.”

The company expects to increase its customer’s energy requirement during the periods of high electricity demand.

Duke Energy Renewable Operations vice president Jeff Wehner said: “Leveraging our operational experience and buying power will allow us to optimize the performance of DTE Energy’s Michigan wind projects, resulting in greater service value.”

In a separate statement, Duke Energy stated that it was planning to sell the entire or a portion of its International Energy business division.

Based in Houston, Texas, Duke Energy International has power plants in Central and South America.

---

Image: Duke Energy Renewable Services to operate and maintain DTE Energy’s seven wind parks. Photo: courtesy of Duke Energy Corporation