Watch: DTE implodes Trenton power plant boiler house

‘Candy Cane’ smokestacks demolished in March

TRENTON, Mich. – Demolition of the century-old power plant in Trenton concluded Friday with the implosion of the boiler house.

The Trenton Channel Power Plant has been part of the Trenton and Gross Ile Township skylines for decades. The plant’s smokestacks, called the “Candy Canes” by some, were demolished earlier this year in March.

The second and final phase of DTE Energy’s demolition of the Trenton power plant happened early on Friday, June 21 with the implosion of the boiler house.

Watch the implosion in the video player up above.

The Trenton Channel Power Plant opened in 1924. It had six turbine generators and 13 coal-fired boilers. The site was retired in 2022.

The plant is now being demolished to make way for redevelopment, according to DTE.

---> Construction begins for new DTE facility in Trenton

The demolition was scheduled to occur in two phases: First, the stacks, then the boiler house demolition (which was initially expected to get demolished on May 17).

Watch the aftermath of Friday morning’s implosion below.

The demolitions caused some temporary early-morning road closures, but otherwise residents weren’t expected to be impacted much by the work -- save for the loud noises.


About the Authors

Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues.

Demond Fernandez joined the Local 4 News team in 2023, anchoring our 5:30 p.m. newscast and reporting on important stories impacting our community. He joined WDIV from WFAA in Dallas where he was a senior reporter focusing southern Dallas communities.

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