GE is contracted to supply 137 wind turbines to DTE Energy for wind projects in Lower Michigan. The projects, which have a total capacity of 220 megawatts of clean energy, support the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that mandates Michigan produce 10 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2015. The deal was announced at the American Wind Energy Association’s WINDPOWER 2012 conference.

GE reports it is supplying DTE Energy with “69 advanced 1.6-100 wind turbines for its Sigel, Minden and McKinley projects and 68 1.6-100 units for its wind project in Chandler Township, adjacent to the McKinley site.” DTE Energy’s total investment in these projects is $500 million.

GE’s 1.6-100 wind turbine, which was introduced last year, is touted as the world’s most efficient wind turbine in its class. With blades and towers that extend 315 feet (96 meters)—the equivalent tof a 30 story building—the 1.6-100 is able to capture additional wind energy in low wind speed sites.

Irene Dimitry, DTE Energy executive director of Energy Efficiency & Renewables says, “We’re looking forward to working with GE and its wind turbine technology. The contract with GE also provides the benefit of having the same technology platform on all four wind parks.”

GE vice president of renewable energy, Vic Abate, adds: “GE and DTE Energy have a long standing working history. We are very pleased to now partner with DTE on renewable technology in this next phase of our relationship.”

Detroit-based DTE Energy develops and manages energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include Detroit Edison, which serves more than two million customers in Southeastern Michigan and MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers.

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