Belle River Power Plant
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | St. Clair County, Michigan , United States |
| Products | Electricity generation (coal and natural gas) |
| Owner | Detroit Edison (a branch of DTE Energy) |
Belle River Power Plant is a significant energy generation site fueled by coal and natural gas, owned by Detroit Edison, a branch of DTE Energy. Situated in St. Clair County, Michigan, on the landform between the St. Clair River and the Belle River, it is positioned opposite M-29 from the St. Clair Power Plant. Both facilities share coal supply logistics and cooling water resources.
The facility commenced operations in 1981 with five oil-powered internal combustion engines, delivering a combined capacity of 13.75 MW. Subsequently, Unit 1, a coal-fired generator, was finalized in 1984, with Unit 2 following in 1985; each unit has a rated capacity of 697.5 MWe, jointly producing about 1,260 MWe on a continuous basis. In 1999, three natural gas peaking turbines were installed, adding a further 256 MWe to the plant's output.
As Detroit Edison’s third-largest electricity generation site, Belle River contributes significantly to the region's economy through job creation. The Lansing Board of Water and Light owns a minority interest and procures electricity during times of peak demand.
Aligned with DTE Energy’s clean energy objectives, the plant is planned to be fully converted to natural gas by the year 2026.
Connection to the grid
The facility is linked to the electrical grid via several 345 kV transmission lines managed by ITC Transmission. It includes three double-circuit 345 kV lines—two extending westward and one northwestward—that cross Interstate 94 before connecting to another 345 kV line leading toward Detroit Edison’s Greenwood Energy Center. Additionally, a 345 kV line connects with Hydro One.
Environmental impact
All waste heat generated by the plant—approximately twice the amount of its electrical production—is discharged into the St. Clair River.