The Detroit-area community of Trenton is set to become home to the region’s largest battery storage facility, but federal policy changes might change how it’s funded.
The DTE Trenton Channel Energy Center is expected to store enough energy to power 40,000 homes for a day, create union jobs, and help offset the area’s economic loss from the 2022 closure of the Trenton Channel Power Plant. However, because it would use clean energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act, there are questions about its future.
James Harrison with the Utility Workers Union of America says he has three generations of family history at the Trenton plant, and is concerned about the potential impact of proposed cuts.
“But they’re going to probably move forward with projects,” Harrison said. “The difference is going to be whether or not ratepayers are going to be on the hook to pay for that or whether or not there’s an opportunity to utilize tax credits to offset the cost to rate payers.”
In Michigan alone, more than 100 utility-scale projects are in development that could use those tax incentives. Those who want to eliminate the tax credits say the energy sector should compete without federal aid, and that the tax breaks add to the national debt and unfairly favor certain industries.
The Trenton facility is expected to start operations in mid-2026.
