DTE Energy looks for wind energy partners, expands substation gardens

DTE Energy is making moves to become more sustainable through creating more alternative energy partnerships and expanded vegetable gardens.

The company is expanding its partnership with Gleaners Community Food Bank to add six more gardens at its substations. The partnership lets Gleaners use some of the buffer land around the substations for gardens. Last year volunteers helped grow 5,300 pounds of produce, ranging from basil to squash to cabbage at two substations in Auburn Hills and Plymouth. This expanded deal will make for eight total gardens in Allen Park, Birmingham, Farmington Hills, Southfield, South Lyon and Detroit. The Detroit garden is at the Fayette Substation, 20201 Fayette St.

"We'll continue to expand the project in the future as we get more farmers and volunteers involved," says Marc Zupmore, one of the organizers behind the DTE Energy Garden project.

DTE Energy also recently issued a request for information for companies interested in partnering to develop wind energy projects. DTE Energy wants to build a number of Michigan-based wind energy farms that will produce at least 75 megawatts of power by 2011 so it can meet the state's new Renewable Portfolio Standard.

For information on creating such a partnership, click here.

Source: Marc Zupmore, one of the organizers behind the DTE Energy Garden project
Writer: Jon Zemke