About Detroit Thermal

When Detroit Thermal's steam distribution system debuted in 1903, it was considered a modern marvel.  More than 100 years later, it still is, providing clean, safe steam energy—now derived in part from the innovative use of renewable resources.

Today Detroit Thermal represents a key part of Detroit's energy infrastructure and platform for economic renewal, providing steam for cost-effective space heating, hot water heating and absorption cooling for more than 140 buildings throughout the greater downtown area. Sometimes referred to as "district energy," our service is an alternative to the cost and complexity of operating on-site steam boilers, water chillers or other energy systems. View our service area map here >>

Founded in 1903, Detroit Thermal serves many of the city's landmark addresses, including GM Renaissance Center, Cobo Hall, Fox Theater, Detroit Medical Center, Ford Field, City of Detroit and Henry Ford Health System, among others—more than 30,000,000 square feet of office, medical, industrial and events facilities space in total.

Detroit Thermal is an independent operating subsidiary of Detroit Renewable Energy. Detroit Renewable Energy LLC is a consortium of energy generation and distribution companies formed to provide Detroit with safe, reliable and cost-effective energy generation and distribution as well as waste disposal. Detroit Renewable Energy also owns Detroit Renewable Power (an energy-from-waste facility and steam supplier) and Hamtramck Energy Services, which manages and staffs several private powerhouses and waste water treatment facilities for General Motors.

Detroit Renewable Energy is a part of the Greenwich, CT-based Atlas Holdings LLC family of companies. Atlas Holdings is an industrial holding company with operations in the United States, Canada, and Europe, encompassing more than 50 facilities and employing approximately 4,500 people. Its businesses are engaged in a broad spectrum of industries, including steel, pulp and paper, building materials and wood products, packaging, distribution, energy, capital equipment, and industrial services.