Biden Visits Detroit To Tout EV Policies, Convening and Energy 101 in December

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:

After Infrastructure Bill, Biden Pushes For Build Back Better Act in Detroit Visit

Just two days after signing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, President Biden was in Detroit to make the case for the Build Back Better Act, with a special focus on what the legislation would mean for the U.S. electric vehicle market and the future of jobs in our transportation sector.

On Friday, the Build Back Better Act narrowly passed the House, but the bill next needs Senate approval.

“This law is going to help rebuild the backbone of this nation,” Biden said of the Build Back Better Act during his tour of General Motors’ Factory Zero, where he test-drove the new Hummer EV pickup. “This is a blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America.”

“We extend a warm welcome to President Biden as he visits Detroit to discuss the implementation of federal dollars in our state’s advanced energy sector,” Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman said in a statement. “Michigan is well positioned to capitalize on federal dollars available in the infrastructure bill to expand advanced energy projects, transportation electrification and EV charging infrastructure in our state.”

Among many other provisions related to clean energy, the Build Back Better Act would create a tax credit for consumers who purchase EVs. Consumers could write off as much as $12,500 if they buy union-built EVs that use American-made batteries.

Groups like Advanced Energy Economy, a Michigan EIBC national associate member, are urging Congress to take action on the Build Back Better Act, saying that it completes the clean energy investment begun by the infrastructure bill.

The Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act, signed by President Biden on Monday, takes several steps to spur EV deployment. As detailed by AEE in a new toolkit report for states to help them implement the infrastructure funds, these include the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Formula Program, which gives grants to states to build EV infrastructure, a $5 billion grant and rebate program to replace school buses with zero-emissions models and a Carbon Reduction Program that uses state apportionments from the Highway Trust Fund for projects that reduce transportation emissions including EV charging projects. According to the White House, under the infrastructure bill, “Michigan would expect to receive $110 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state. Michigan will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.”

But in a statement this week, Advanced Energy Economy said that policymakers need to go further than the infrastructure bill. “While this bill is an excellent start, additional investments in clean transportation, clean electricity, domestic manufacturing, energy efficiency, and grid resilience are all vital for supporting the U.S.’ transition to 100% clean energy, and that’s why it’s vital that Congress finish its job by passing the Build Back Better Act. In particular, new refundable tax credits would allow companies and job providers to move faster on developing clean energy projects, accelerating America’s energy transition.” 


 


 

First Workforce Development Convening To Examine Diversity Problem in the Advanced Energy Industry

 A recent report laid out the diversity problem facing the advanced energy industry. So on December 9 in Detroit, Michigan EIBC is holding an Advanced Energy Workforce Development Convening, which will host speakers and panelists to answer the question of how to achieve a more diverse advanced energy workforce and use training programs to fill existing and anticipated skills gaps.

The event will be held at the headquarters of Michigan EIBC member Walker-Miller Energy Services, Attendees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of this event.

There are a limited number of tickets, so RSVP now!

Sponsored by:

		Advanced Energy Workforce Development Convening image

 

Join Us for Energy 101 on Keeping Jobs in Michigan Through Energy Policy

 The decision by Ford to build new EV and battery plants in Kentucky and Tennessee and not Michigan has brought a question to the forefront: How can we keep commercial and industrial facilities in Michigan through energy policy? Michigan EIBC Laura Sherman had some thoughts on the answer to that question in a recent Energy News Network article.

But we are going to go much deeper on that question in our next virtual Energy 101 event on December 6. Michigan EIBC members, legislators and legislative staff are invited to join for a discussion about energy policy in Michigan and how increasing access to advanced energy solutions can improve economic development.

RSVP here.  


Renewing Members

 

Centrepolis Accelerator
Centrepolis Accelerator is fueling the growth of Southeast Michigan’s small manufacturers and hardware entrepreneurs by providing access to key resources (mentors, workshops, cutting-edge technologies, corporate connections, and student & faculty engagement). Our concentration is on guiding entrepreneurs into a pattern as they develop their business from the “idea” stage to a thriving business.

Ventower Industries
Ventower Industries is a leading North American steel fabricator currently specializing in wind turbine towers, marine foundation solutions, pressure vessels, welded storage tanks and the application of various coating systems


 

Michigan Energy News

  • Michigan EIBC member White Pine Renewables will be building a floating solar panel project at a reservoir in Plainfield Township.
  • Consumers Energy will be adding 375 MW of solar power in 2023 from three projects being developed by Michigan EIBC members: the Washtenaw Solar Energy Project from Invenergy, the Jackson Solar project from National Grid Renewables and the Cereal City project from NextEra.
  • Consumers Energy also announces that it is now using vehicles equipped with technology to more easily detect methane leaks from natural gas pipes.
  • The city of Ann Arbor’s plans to create its own clean energy utility represents an attempt at a new model that other cities will be watching, E&E News reports.
  • Ann Arbor city officials are also deciding whether to place a proposal for a property tax increase to fund its clean energy plans on the ballot.
  • A judge rules in favor of Enbridge that the legal battle over the Line 5 pipeline should stay in federal court.

National Energy News

  • The Solar Energy Industries Association, a national associate member of Michigan EIBC, praises a recent decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade to reinstate the exclusion of bifacial solar modules from tariffs.
  • Zero-emissions vehicles “will capture a higher share of passenger vehicle sales, sooner than previously expected,” according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
  • The startup TS Conductor is offering utilities new transmission conductors that it says can expand capacity on existing transmission lines, allowing more wind and solar energy to come onto the grid without the need for new transmission lines.
  • The Bill Gates-funded TerraPower says it will build its first demonstration project for its sodium-cooled fast nuclear reactor technology at the site of a retiring coal power plant in Wyoming.
  • Mary Powell, CEO of Michigan EIBC member Sunrun, talks to Utility Dive about what it will take to achieve aggressive clean energy goals.
  • A majority of Massachusetts registered voters say they will likely buy an EV in the next five years, according to a new poll.

 

Job Board

We are debuting a new section of the newsletter for Michigan EIBC members to post job openings in advanced energy fields. 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.

Energy Sciences

Position: Senior Retro-Commissioning Engineer, Metro Detroit

“As a senior retro-commissioning engineer with Energy Sciences, you will join our team of degreed and licensed engineers, scientists, and energy efficiency professionals to meet the energy use challenges of commercial and industrial facilities. We’re looking for experienced and talented technical team members to assist our clients, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, in making their building systems work, identifying energy-savings opportunities, reducing waste, and saving operating cost. You will play a key role in a growing company that is dedicated to driving our vision of a sustainable and socially responsible energy future, working in an exciting, collaborative environment.”

Foresight Management

Positions: Senior Project Manager, Sales Coordinator, Business Development Rep

Foresight is hiring for these and other positions. Visit the Careers page here.

NextEnergy

Position: Technical Program Manager, Mobility, Detroit

“Support NextEnergy’s Mobility practice through the execution of programs designed to accelerate smart, clean, accessible solutions for communities and cities under the leadership of the Director, Technology Development. You’ll work with technology companies, business stakeholders, public agencies, and NextEnergy partners to launch and manage demonstrations of technologies that help demonstrate and commercialize next-generation mobility technologies and business models.”  

NOVI Energy

Position: Project Engineer, Novi, MI

NOVI Energy is growing, and they need your help. This month, they announced a joint venture with Osaka Gas USA to develop over 1000 MW of solar power generation facilities, enough solar and storage to power more than 150,000 homes with clean, affordable energy while creating good-paying jobs. This is one of several exciting projects NOVI Energy is developing! Learn more about their company and available Project Engineer positions. See open positions here.   

SunPower

Position: Senior Associate, Market Development and Policy

SunPower is seeking a Senior Associate, Market Development and Policy, to advocate on SunPower’s behalf on state policy with various public service commissions, state legislatures, and state agencies to drive residential, commercial and community solar and energy storage adoption in the Midwest U.S., particularly in Illinois and Michigan. The successful candidate must be a self-starter, comfortable working remotely, and have experience navigating various regulatory dockets, reviewing public comments, and summarizing state legislation. Frequent travel within the Midwest region may be required at times.  Location is flexible, although presence in Illinois is preferred.  


Michigan and National Energy Events

The U.S. Energy Storage Association Annual Conference & Expo (#ESACon21) will convene December 1-3 in Phoenix to bring together buyers, sellers, investors, and leaders in the energy storage industry for an event focused on driving deals and business in the energy storage industry. The #ESACon21 is a must attend for anyone looking to expand their business, invest in, or develop partnerships in the energy storage industry. Michigan EIBC members can register using code MIEIBC2021 for a 5% discount off nonmember passes.  Learn more here.

On Dec. 6 at 10:30 am, Michigan EIBC is holding a virtual Energy 101 event about how energy policy can keep C&I companies and jobs in Michigan. Please join us on Zoom if you are a Michigan EIBC member, state legislator or legislative staffer.

The Advanced Energy Workforce Development Convening on Dec. 9 in Detroit at the HQ of Michigan EIBC member Walker-Miller Energy Services will focus on ways to improve diversity in renewable energy, efficiency, energy storage, advanced mobility and other industries. RSVP now.

Gov. Whitmer created the Council on Climate Solutions as an advisory body to help formulate and implement the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The council is holding a series of meetings throughout the year on various topics related to cutting Michigan’s CO2 emissions and recommending solutions for communities disproportionately affected by climate change. Go to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Office of Climate and Energy website to learn how to join these meetings. 

Opportunities

The Community Collaboration on Climate Change (C4) is seeking a full-time contract position to provide coordination of C4 leadership, organizational representatives, Grand Rapids residents, and the program deliverables.

The U.S. Department of Energy has an opportunity for $105 million in funding for small businesses that are working to deploy clean energy technologies. “This funding opportunity is open to small businesses that have previously received SBIR or STTR grants to provide additional opportunities to compete for funding to develop working prototypes of their discoveries,” according to the DOE.

The Lansing Board of Water and Light has put out a Request for Information for Energy Storage. Responses are due Nov. 30More information here.

Michigan EIBC member Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University is now accepting applications for its C3 Accelerator. Apply here by Jan. 10, 2022. C3 is a growth stage Accelerator with up to $1.6M in funding in the form of grants, investments, and services to support the product development and scaling of Cleantech, Climatech, and Circular Economy technologies.

The Community Collaboration on Climate Change (C4) is seeking a full-time contract position to provide coordination of C4 leadership, organizational representatives, Grand Rapids residents, and the program deliverables.

State of Michigan DNR is going big in solar with projects in the ground, others in development and additional ones being planned. DNR has released a Request for Proposal for Prequalification Program for Renewable Energy PPAs: www.michigan.gov/sigmavss. Use “Guess Access” to get the RFP. A previous round of pre-qualifications netted solar companies that then were able to bid on a portfolio of DNR solar projects in Southwest Michigan. Another portfolio in the Northern Region is in the works for later this year. Only companies who pre-qualify can bid on future DNR solar projects. Please direct all correspondence to the Solicitation Manager, Laura Gyorkos at gyorkosL@michigan.gov.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s PlanetM Testing Grant gives mobility companies the opportunity to access testing facilities around the state, including Mcity at the University of Michigan. Apply here.

The Detroit 2030 District is a free program that challenges Detroit building owners and managers to reduce wasted energy. Those that achieve the greatest reductions from the prior-year baseline will be recognized at the first annual Detroit Energy Challenge Award Ceremony in 2021. Visit 2030districts.org/Detroit to find out more information including how a building can apply.