Trenton Channel Power Plant
Detroit River
Trenton, Michigan
2008

The Trenton Channel Power Plant, located in Trenton, Michigan, was a coal-fired power station operated by DTE Energy. Constructed in the 1920s, it played a significant role in supplying electricity to the Detroit metropolitan area for nearly a century. The plant originally consisted of multiple generating units, with expansions and upgrades over the years to meet the growing power demand. By the mid-20th century, it was a key component of Michigan’s industrial growth, supporting manufacturing and automotive production. However, as environmental concerns over coal emissions grew and cleaner energy sources became more viable, DTE Energy announced plans to retire the plant. In 2022, the Trenton Channel Power Plant was officially decommissioned, marking the end of an era for one of Michigan’s longest-running power stations. Just before dawn on March 15, 2024, at approximately 7:00 am DTE Energy demolished both smokestacks in a controlled demolition. The demolition lasted less than a minute. Its closure was part of a broader shift toward renewable energy and reduced regional carbon emissions.

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