our portfolio > technology initiatives
DTE Energy Hydrogen Technology Park
DTE Solar Technology Demonstration
DTE Energy Hydrogen Technology Park
The DTE Energy Hydrogen Technology Park is a hydrogen energy demonstration project designed to provide critical insight into the role of hydrogen in our nation's energy system. From the generation of hydrogen to storage, distribution and conversion to energy, this working prototype will:
- produce hydrogen gas from tap water using a mix of solar power, biomass power and power from the electric grid
- compress and store the hydrogen on site
- deliver enough electricity to power a small office complex, or approximately 20 homes, and produce enough compressed hydrogen gas to power about three fuel cell vehicles per day
Key features:
- It's real. The project brings technology out of the lab and into real-world operating conditions.
- It's innovative. The project uses advanced fuel cells and on-site solar energy to advance the use of new environmentally friendly energy technologies.
- It's collaborative. The project brings governments (federal, state and local), universities and industry together to foster development of alternative energy technologies.
- It's safe. The system and components are designed to meet the highest safety standards and all applicable codes.
Why is the DTE Energy Technology Park important?
Today, most of our nation's energy needs are met by our domestic supply of coal and natural gas, and substantial imports of petroleum. As our energy system evolves to meet demands for cleaner, more secure energy sources, it makes sense to develop, test and commercialize technologies that use hydrogen — the most abundant element in the universe.
The potential benefits to our country are significant:
- A reduction in air pollution, oil spills and greenhouse gas emissions.
- A shift away from dependence on foreign oil and other fossil fuels.
- Job creation and a corresponding boost to the national economy.
- Greater energy security and the emergence of quiet, decentralized electric plants to power homes, cars and businesses.
And locally, the benefits are equally significant:
- The state of Michigan has the potential to become a leader in advanced energy technologies that will eventually play an important role in our nation's energy system.
- The city of Southfield has the potential to lead Michigan in the development of alternative energy technologies and associated job creation. As a designated Michigan SmartZone, Southfield provides a unique collaborative setting for the project — bringing together universities, industry, research organizations, government and other community institutions to stimulate the growth of technology-based businesses and jobs.
- DTE Energy is working with Lawrence Technological University to jointly develop an alternative energy curriculum and provide valuable student learning and research opportunities using the Technology Park project as a working laboratory.
Project Partners
U.S. Department of Energy — project co sponsor
State of Michigan — program manager, DOE State Energy Program (SEP)
City of Southfield — Michigan SmartZone
Lawrence Technological University — research and development partner
DaimlerChrysler — fuel cell vehicle provider
BP America — hydrogen infrastructure co-developer
Hydrogen to the Highways
The Hydrogen Technology Park is also part of a nationwide Department of Energy initiative to explore the use of hydrogen as a transportation fuel. It consists of demonstrations that emphasize co-developing hydrogen infrastructures and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles.
Beginning in 2004, the program will test fuel cell vehicles and build hydrogen re-fueling stations in several geographic areas across the country — including Michigan and California.
DTE Solar Technology Demonstration
DTE Energy Ventures established DTE Solar Company of California in 2000 and partnered with the DOE, the
California Energy Commission, PowerLight Corporation and RealEnergy, on one of the largest commercial
installations of photovoltaic equipment in the U.S.
DTE Solar Company of California:
Technical Specifications
The project consists of three photovoltaic (PV) energy systems totaling approximately 340 kW that have been installed atop three commercial office buildings in Southern California.
|
Benefits of Solar PV
The project was the first of its kind in demonstrating the benefits of on-site solar energy to commercial real estate owners and energy users alike. Not only do the systems provide reliable, on-site energy generation, but they also provide it when the users need it most — during peak demand periods. Seasonally, demand is higher in the summer, and daily, demand is higher in the afternoon. Production from PV systems match these demand profiles very well.
System Production Totals
Fully operational since December 2000, the systems generate more than 500 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean, emission-free power every year (see table below). With only sunlight as fuel, they generate power without the production of smog-causing air pollution, like nitrogen oxides (NOX) and sulfur oxides (SOX), or carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
