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September 28, 2024

Newsletter: Recap of Michigan Energy Innovators Gala

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    • Welcome to the weekly newsletter of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC), the business voice for advanced energy in Michigan. Here’s what’s new this week:

    Recap of 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala
     

    At last year’s Michigan Energy Innovators Gala, Michigan was on the verge of passing what would become a set of landmark clean energy legislation. Now, a year later on Sept. 25, Michigan EIBC members, policymakers, energy advocates, and others gathered at the Gem Theatre in Detroit for the 12th annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala to celebrate the success that has pushed Michigan to the forefront of states on advanced energy policy.

    In her opening remarks at the Gala, Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman spoke about the new jobs and economic growth being spurred on by the clean energy policy success, and told the audience that “you are all the ones making that happen.” Those economic benefits have been quantified in Michigan EIBC and Michigan EIBC member 5 Lakes Energy’s recently-released report. 

    Walker-Miller and Steele.

    One of the programs that the report examined the effects of is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), and gala attendees got to hear from one of the key architects of programs that make up the GGRF: keynote speaker Nicole Steele, who recently became director of climate banking at Amalgamated Bank. Previously, Steele was a senior advisor at the EPA for the GGRF, and she developed GGRF programs including the National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF), Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) and Solar for All. The GGRF was modeled after green banks and is in the process of directing grants to financially assist a range of decarbonization projects and leverage private capital to support those projects, especially those in low-income and marginalized communities.

    During a fireside chat with Carla Walker-Miller of Michigan EIBC member Walker-Miller Energy Services, Steele talked about her continuing work to change how banking institutions think about clean energy and who has access to clean energy. With the GGRF, “we just designed this program that is meant to seed true market transformation and that has a 7 to 10x leverage requirement from private sector capital, so it really is meant to ensure that the markets are moving in this direction,” she said. At Amalgamated Bank, “we are… really rolling up our sleeves to figure out how we actually bring $200 billion to leverage against the $20 billion of NCIF and CCIA in order to make those programs a success,” Steele said.

    Following the keynote, Michigan EIBC presented this year’s awards, which were voted on by Michigan EIBC members. The winners were:

    Business of the Year: Apex Clean Energy and Elevate were each honored as a Business of the Year. 

    Project of the Year: Energy Alliance Group of Michigan and Michigan Solar Solutions received this award for their work on the first dual-axis solar trackers in the state that have been deployed at the IBEW Zero Net Energy Center in Detroit. They were joined on the stage by many of their project partners including representatives from IBEW Local 58 and Motor City Electric.

    Public Official of the Year: Sen. Sam Singh was honored for his effort to lead and shepherd last year’s historic clean energy legislation into law.

    Michigan Energy Innovators Hall of Fame Inductees: Robert Jackson, executive director of the RESTART Program, and John Sarver, board member of the Board of Directors of the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, were both inducted into the Energy Innovators Hall of Fame.

    Scott Koziar from Apex Clean Energy.

    The team from Elevate.

    Award winners from Michigan Solar Solutions, Energy Alliance Group of Michigan and their project partners.

    Robert Jackson.

    John Sarver receiving award from MPSC Chair Dan Scripps.

    The Michigan EIBC team.

    Thank you to our sponsors, whose generosity helped to make our annual gala a huge success!

    TERAWATT SPONSOR

    GIGAWATT SPONSOR

    MEGAWATT SPONSORS

    KILOWATT SPONSORS



    WATT SPONSORS


    ​

    Michigan Energy News

    • A $9.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Treasury, coupled with a $500,000 matching grant from the Make It In Michigan Competitiveness Fund, will allow the launch of the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program, to be overseen by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
    • The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announces the recipients of $21 million in grants for renewable energy and electrification projects across the state.
    • “Community solar needs to be a top legislative priority this fall to remove barriers preventing low-income and multi-family households from adopting solar programs,” state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) writes in a piece in Bridge Michigan.
    • Mobility supplier DENSO will enroll in DTE’s MIGreenPower program to attribute 100% of electricity use at its facilities in Belleville and Southfield to Michigan-based wind and solar projects.

    National Energy News

    • A $9.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Treasury, coupled with a $500,000 matching grant from the Make It In Michigan Competitiveness Fund, will allow the launch of the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program, to be overseen by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
    • The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announces the recipients of $21 million in grants for renewable energy and electrification projects across the state.
    • “Community solar needs to be a top legislative priority this fall to remove barriers preventing low-income and multi-family households from adopting solar programs,” state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) writes in a piece in Bridge Michigan.
    • Mobility supplier DENSO will enroll in DTE’s MIGreenPower program to attribute 100% of electricity use at its facilities in Belleville and Southfield to Michigan-based wind and solar projects.


    Job Board

    Attention Michigan EIBC members: if you have a job announcement you would like in the newsletter, please send a paragraph describing the position and a link to apply to Matt Bandyk at matt@mieibc.org. Please include in the email a specific end date for the job posting.

    Elevate

    Senior Director, Policy (Federal). Location: Chicago.
    The Senior Director, Policy (Federal) supports Elevate’s mission by ensuring its mission and strategies are well-represented in the federal policy environment and brings Elevate’s expertise to federal policy actions. The Sr. Director, Policy (Federal) leads Elevate’s federal policy initiatives and advocacy efforts and collaborates with the Policy Team to inform integration of those efforts at the state and local levels; ensuring the furtherance of Elevate’s mission to advance clean, affordable energy, and water at the intersection of racial economic justice. The Sr. Director, Federal Policy is a newly created position and is responsible for furthering Elevate’s leadership and effectiveness in the federal space, creating opportunities to partner with, and is responsive to the needs of environmental justice and other historically underserved populations and communities. The Sr. Director, Federal Policy keeps Elevate staff, partners, stakeholders, and the broader policy ecosystem informed on relevant federal initiatives. The position represents Elevate in key White House and federal department initiatives and leads and serves on working groups, advisory groups, and other relevant federal policy forums.

    Harvest Solar

    Lead Electrical Engineer. Location: Michigan.

    Harvest Solar is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to design and develop electrical drawings for solar PV projects considering geography, physical layouts, solar racking type, solar panel and inverter type, interconnection phase/voltage, service size, electrical design, project constraints, project goals, and relevant codes.

    Solar Sales Consultant. Location: Illinois.

    Harvest Solar is seeking a Solar Sales Consultant to drive the sales of solar systems in Illinois. The successful candidate will live in the area they service, be willing to meet face to face with customers within that area and educate the customer on the benefit of solar energy. Harvest Solar provides a business-use vehicle to support home visits, cold calling, and other business travel in addition to providing the necessary equipment to establish a home office.

    Solar Sales Consultant. Location: Grand Rapids.

    Harvest Solar is seeking a Solar Sales Consultant to drive solar system sales in the Greater Grand Rapids Area. The Solar Sales Consultant is responsible for the origination of new business by identifying customer prospects, developing solar energy proposals, and executing all transactions required to consummate a sale and that meet the company sales goals. The position requires direct customer interaction to manage the customer through the entire sales process and beyond ensuring superior customer service and referral opportunities. The position will primarily focus on rural residential, agricultural, and small business opportunities.

    Pivot Energy

    Manager, Project Development – Execution. Location: Ohio/Pittsburgh/Chicago/Detroit/Remote.

    The Manager, Project Development will be involved in site diligence and project development efforts. The Manager will also manage third-party contractors, prepare and execute land use permits, plan, organize, and lead public outreach, and represent Pivot at land use hearings. The individual will support ongoing site development efforts, assess solar sites for critical issues related to project development, and create and secure land lease amendments with landowners for solar development.

    Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy

    Engineer 12 – Building Trade Industry Engineer. Location: Lansing.

    The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is currently recruiting for an Engineer 12 position within the Materials Management Division (MMD).  This position is in Lansing and is open to all applicants.

    Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

    Program and Operations Manager. Location: Lansing.

    The Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO) is seeking an experienced professional with a background in project planning or program management to serve as a Program and Operations Manager. This is a foundational role in the new Community & Worker Economic Transition Office, supporting our mission of ensuring that communities, workers and employers facing transitions in the auto and utility sectors have the support they need to prepare for, benefit from, and shape Michigan’s future economy. This role will support strategic planning efforts and coordinate key projects across the office’s community, workforce, industry, and research functions. Successful candidates will have experience tracking project progress and keeping complex initiatives on track, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a passion for public service.

    Engagement Director. Location: Lansing.

    The Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO) is seeking an experienced professional to serve as the Engagement Director for the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office. This is a senior role on our team, acting as an advisor on all engagement and programmatic activities to the Office Director. The Director of Engagement will play a significant role in developing and implementing office programs and executing engagement strategies that support our mission of ensuring that communities, workers and employers facing transitions in the auto and utility sectors have the support they need to prepare for, benefit from, and shape Michigan’s future economy. This individual will also serve as a key liaison to external stakeholders in business, labor, and local officials, as well as other state departments. Successful candidates will have experience in program design and implementation, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a passion for public service.

    Michigan Public Service Commission

    Departmental Analyst Trainee. Location: Lansing.

    This position serves as a case coordinator and contact person for renewable energy and energy storage siting (RESS) applications filed, complaint cases, or other cases related to renewable energy facility siting and Public Act 233 of 2023. Work as part of a team at times analyzing the evidence submitted by siting applicants to determine if they meet the laws, rules and Commission order guidelines for renewable energy and energy storage facility siting. Provide witness testimony as directed.  Support the assigned attorney in the preparation of briefs, reply briefs, and replies on siting issues that may arise in administrative proceedings before the Commission. Attend meetings with the public, local units of government, siting applicants, contractors, and interested parties related to facility siting. Participate in the development of request for proposals to solicit bids from contractors to support the review of siting applications as needed. Coordinate the work of external contractors as needed. Provide information needed for the renewable energy and energy storage facility decommissioning financial assurance process and siting application fee calculation. Ensure applicants have complied with Commission orders related to siting through inquiries, the review of reports and data submitted, complaints, and meetings with internal and external parties.  

    Public Utilities Engineer. Location: Lansing.

    This position serves as an engineer reviewing and analyzing applications for renewable energy and energy storage siting cases, contested complaint cases, or other cases related to renewable energy facility siting and Public Act 233 of 2023. Work independently at times and as part of a team at times analyzing the evidence submitted by siting applicants to determine if they meet the laws, rules, specifications, and Commission order guidelines for renewable energy and energy storage facility siting. Provide Staff recommendations to management and contributing witness testimony on technical matters in siting cases as directed. Technical matters in siting cases include site plans, decommissioning plans, decommissioning agreements, sound modeling studies, glare studies, construction plans, environmental, health, and safety impacts, alternatives analyses, impacts on land use, and other matters as directed. Support the assigned attorney in the preparation of briefs, reply briefs, and replies on siting issues that may arise in judicial proceedings before the Commission. Represent the Commission in meetings with the public, local units of government, siting applicants, contractors, and interested parties related to facility siting. Participate with the development of request for proposals to solicit bids from contractors to support with the review of siting applications as needed. Coordinate the work of external contractors as needed. Ensure applicants have complied with Commission orders related to siting through inquiries, site visits, inspections, the review of reports and data submitted, complaints, and meetings with internal and external parties. Advise management on steps to ensure facilities remain in compliance with Commission orders.

    Walker-Miller Energy Services

    Program Manager. Location: Detroit
    We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Program Manager to lead a large-scale, high-profile residential energy efficiency and electrification program in Michigan. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 4 of experience in program management, a deep understanding of energy efficiency for both residential and multi-family sectors, and experience within electrification. This role requires strong leadership, excellent client interfacing skills, and the ability to manage diverse stakeholders effectively.

    Outreach Manager. Location: Detroit.
    We are seeking an experienced Outreach Manager to lead the outreach and engagement for a large-scale residential energy efficiency program in Michigan. The ideal candidate will have at least 3-5 years of outreach experience and a strong understanding of energy efficiency for residential and multi-family sectors. This role requires significant experience in outreach and engagement, and managing campaigns, with diverse stakeholders.

    Field Operations Manager. Location: Detroit.
    We are seeking an experienced Field Operations Manager to lead the field team and activities for a large-scale residential energy efficiency program in Michigan. The ideal candidate will have at least 3-5 years of experience in managing a field team and a strong understanding of energy efficiency for residential and multi-family sectors. This role requires significant experience in home and building assessments, quality assurance and quality control processes, and supervising a field team.

     

    Michigan and National Energy Events

    The C3 Summit, sponsored by Michigan EIBC member Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan EGLE, Breakthrough Energy Fellows and American Made Challenge, will be held in Novi on Oct. 1. Find out more here.

    On Oct. 2, NextCycle Michigan will hold its 2024 Fall Showcase, which “will feature equitable public sector and innovative business projects focused on the sustainable use of materials in Michigan,” according to its website. “After six months of refining business plans, identifying supply chains, creating marketing strategies, and calculating impacts, teams are poised to pitch their projects to an audience of industry leaders, public sector decision-makers, potential partners and prospective investors.” Register here.

    The Vehicle-Grid Integration Council is hosting EVolve on Oct. 9 in Berkeley, Calif. Join industry changemakers for a 1-day, in-person event to network and learn from thought leaders accelerating and shaping the future of VGI. Register here.

    Tickets are available for Michigan EIBC and Clean Fuels Michigan’s Public Convening to Discuss Transportation Electrification Policies on Oct. 22 in Detroit.

    The State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility & Electrification (OFME) is hosting the MI Future Mobility Conference in Detroit on Oct. 24. Register to attend here.

     

    Opportunities

    The Michigan Public Service Commission has created a website tracking its progress implementing Public Acts 229, 231, 233, 234, and 235, passed on Nov. 8, 2023 and signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Nov. 28.

    Rheaply, NextCycle Michigan and Michigan EGLE have launched the Michigan Materials Marketplace, which allows businesses to buy and sell excess materials so they can be reused instead of discarded.

    The Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for “up to $400 million to spur innovative, community-focused clean energy solutions in rural and remote areas across the United States.” The related Notice of Funding Opportunity is expected to be released in the fall of 2024. Find out more here.

    The U.S. Department of Energy has launched the Innovative Queue Management Solutions (iQMS) for Clean Energy Interconnection and Energization program that “will award $11.2 million across 25 distribution utilities for innovative approaches that can accelerate timelines for clean energy and EV charging projects.” Applications are due Oct. 16.

    DTE Electric has re-opened its 2024 Renewable Energy All Source RFP. Proposals are due by Oct. 29. Links: 2024 Solar BTA – RFP. 2024 Solar PPA – RFP. 2024 Wind BTA – RFP. 2024 Wind PPA – RFP.

    The Department of Energy has released the Fiscal Year 2024 Vehicle Technologies Office Batteries Funding Opportunity Announcement, which is offering $43 million “in funding for projects that will advance research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) in several areas critical to the future of advanced batteries.” The deadline for full applications is Oct. 30.

    Michigan EGLE is launching the Renewables Ready Communities Award (RRCA), which makes Michigan municipalities that have, on or after October 1, 2023, begun physically hosting and/or performing local permitting for any portion of an eligible renewable energy project eligible for awards of $5,000 per MW. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are depleted and there is no specific deadline. More information on this opportunity can be found on the RRCA Webpage.

    Michigan EGLE is offering at least $320,000 in funding MI Solar Communities-MI Solar Access Program. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2025, or when funding is expended, whichever comes first. Find the request for proposals for MI Solar Access here.

    Michigan EGLE has released an RFP for grants from its Clean Energy Workforce Development Program. The application deadline is July 30, 2025.