Energy Solutions for the Electrical Vehicle Industry: Technical and Commercial Development of Two Central Utility Plants at Ford's Electric Vehicle / Battery Campuses in Tennessee and Michigan

The electric vehicle (EV) market remains uncertain, yet major investment in domestic EV and battery production continues. These facilities are highly energy‑intensive and depend on central utility plants (CUPs) that balance technical innovation, cost efficiency, and sustainability. CUPs for EV manufacturing are also strong candidates for creative financial and delivery structures, including third‑party DBOOM (design, build, own, operate, maintain) models and the use of federal investment tax credits Successful CUP development requires attention to several technical and commercial factors: optimized efficiency and reliability, cost‑effective expandability, carbon‑footprint reduction, low lifecycle costs, integration with the local electric utility (including potential export of energy or services), and effective use of federal, state, and local incentives.

This presentation compares two recent CUP projects using real‑world performance data. Metrics include efficiency (commodity consumption, energy output), development timeline (contracting, EPC, permitting), lifecycle economics (capital recovery, O&M, commodity costs), and sustainability outcomes such as carbon‑reduction performance.

DTE Stanton is a $650 million CUP serving Ford’s EV manufacturing campus in Stanton, Tennessee. The plant supplies steam, electricity, hot water, chilled water, compressed air, natural gas, city water, wastewater treatment, and sanitary water distribution across the 3,600‑acre site. Major systems include gas turbines, HRSGs, mechanical chillers, heat‑pump chillers, steam‑to‑hot‑water heat exchangers, a thermal‑energy‑storage tank, a geothermal system, and a wastewater treatment facility. Operations began in early 2024 under a long‑term services agreement.

DTE Marshall is a $300 million CUP supporting Ford’s EV battery manufacturing campus in Marshall, Michigan. It provides steam, hot oil, electricity, hot water, chilled water, compressed air, and natural‑gas distribution across the 950‑acre site. Key systems include gas turbines, HRSGs, hot‑oil generators, mechanical chillers, steam‑to‑hot‑water heat exchangers, and thermal‑energy storage. Operations are scheduled to begin in early 2026 under a long‑term services agreement.

Keywords: Microgrids & CHP for Reliability and Resiliency, Electric Vehicle, EV, Geothermal, Cogeneration, DTE Vantage, Ford

Mike Larson

Managing Director, Business Development

DTE Vantage

Mike Larson has more than 30 years’ experience in energy project origination, development, management, and engineering. As Director of Business Development for DTE Vantage, Mike is responsible for evaluating the technical and commercial feasibility of on-site energy opportunities and developing those projects from concept to implementation. Mike has evaluated and developed multiple combined heat and power, distributed energy, and utility services projects utilizing a variety of technical solutions and commercial structures for a wide range of customers including industrial, institutional, and commercial facilities. Prior to DTE Vantage, Mike held development and engineering positions at Pace Global, Nations Energy, and Sargent & Lundy. Mike has a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame.

Kristen Parkhurst

Manager, Project Engineering

DTE Vantage

Kristen Parkhurst has 10 years of experience in the energy industry. As Manager, Project Engineering, Kristen screens potential projects from a technical perspective to determine project viability. Throughout the development process, she aids in the preparation of proposals to potential DTE Vantage clients by generating potential plant configurations, working with equipment suppliers to cost and select equipment, and issuing requests for proposals for engineering and construction services. Kristen supports active construction projects through the management of equipment suppliers, contractors, and consultants to maintain project deliverables, quality and schedule. Kristen earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in biosystems engineering from Michigan State University. She also holds her professional engineering license with the state of Michigan.