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Renewable Deployment Reaches 1 Terawatt Worldwide
While Michigan is on the way to meeting the 15% RPS set in Michigan statute, that is just a stop along the road to the Governor’s goal of 35% combined renewable energy and energy efficiency, and the aggressive Integrated Resource Plan submitted by Consumers Energy to build 5 GW of solar by 2030. These policy targets and goals are also influenced by the sustainability demands of leading companies including GM, Switch, Hemlock Semiconductor, Steelcase, Whirlpool, Toyota, and more. Cities, cooperative utilities, and municipal utilities are forging ahead, including Traverse City Light & Power’s recent commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2040 as well as the long-standing commitment of Wolverine Power to being a leader on energy innovation.
Michigan’s got it all when it comes to the advanced energy industry. From the energy efficiency projects and companies featured below to research developments like the recent announcement from Michigan Tech that could lead to a 10% drop in solar production costs to increasing public and private attention to advanced mobility solutions. Policy choices, corporate leadership,and a burgeoning industry that now includes 134,000 workers are keeping Michigan at the forefront of the advanced energy economy and positioning the state to play an important role in deploying the second terrawatt of wind and solar and those to follow.
Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards Honor Michigan Leaders
Yesterday, leaders in the advanced energy industry were honored at the Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards in Grand Rapids. Michigan EIBC President Liesl Eichler Clark spoke at the event, introducing finalists for Innovator of the Year. Eight organizations and individuals were recognized for their leadership in reducing energy waste across the state. Governor Snyder presented the awards to each of the eight winners.
“Michigan has made incredible strides in advancing clean energy, making our future brighter and saving money for residents across the board,” Gov. Snyder said. “The progress we’ve made is a result of employers, utilities, municipalities and many others taking innovative approaches to address our energy needs. I’m incredibly proud that Michigan continues to be a national leader in reduction of energy waste and costs, and thank all the employers and individuals honored here tonight for their contributions.”
The award winners were as follows:
- Best Residential Project: James Stump, Lyons
- Best Public Project: Genesee Intermediate School District, Flint
- Best Agriculture Project: Continental Dairy Facilities, LLC, Coopersville
- Best Industrial/Manufacturing Project: ArcelorMittal, Detroit
- Best Commercial Project (Private): IBEW Local 58, Detroit
- Contractor of the Year: WMGB Home Improvement, Wyoming
- Innovator of the Year: Major General Michael Stone, Lansing
- Best Program: Homeless Shelters Initiative, Okemos
Solar Celebrations this Fall
- September 16 | Residence of Art Toy, Lawrence, Michigan
- September 18 | Electrical Industry Training Center, Warren, Michigan
- September 20 | Arcadia Brewery, Kalamazoo, Michigan
- September 30 | Haslett Community Church, Haslett, Michigan
- October 2 | Dow Diamond (home to the Great Lakes Loons!) – Midland, Michigan
- October 9: Madonna University, Livonia, Michigan
- October 11 | West Bloomfield High School, West Bloomfield, Michigan
- October 14: Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, St Joesph, Michigan
Reminder: Nominate Industry Leaders for Gala Awards
Only Michigan EIBC members and gala sponsors may make nominations/self-nominate. Nominations will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Friday, September 7, 2018and should be emailed to mieibc@mieibc.org.
Sponsor opportunities, a tentative program, the nomination form, and RSVP link can all be found on our website.
Gigawatt Level
Megawatt Level
Kilowatt Level
Sustainability is a Spartan Priority. Our land grant roots power our vision for the future. Established in 1855 as the nation’s pioneer land-grant university and Michigan’s first agricultural college, MSU was called upon to address growing areas of concern in the country: education, agriculture, infrastructure and science. Today, MSU’s 5,200 acre campus is still home to leading research, as well as cutting-edge technologies, award-winning programs and thousands of Spartans working to make a difference every day – addressing sustainability challenges across all disciplines. With dynamic facilities like the South Campus Anaerobic Digester, the Student Organic Farm and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, MSU continues to serve as a beacon for innovative leaders who want to use their educational experience to shape the solutions of tomorrow. MSU continues to set a standard of sustainability excellence for universities globally: by eliminating the use of coal at the T.B. Simon Power Plant in 2016, building that largest solar covered parking area in the nation and continuing to invest in student research, cross-disciplinary partnerships and expanded building efficiencies.
Spartans are at the forefront of discovery, building on a foundation of strong core values to deliver high-impact results to the campus community and beyond. Guided by a powerful vision and mission, MSU strives to enable Spartans to conduct this important work on a campus that delivers on efficiency and innovation.
Samsung Renewable Energy is a renewable energy development arm in Samsung Group, and has developed and completed 1.7GW solar and wind PPA projects in US and Canada. (website: http://www.
Michigan Energy Stories
- GM invests additional $28M in Michigan battery lab with 20 new EVs due by 2023
- Engineers at Michigan Tech and Aalto University found that switching silicon in solar cells drops production costs by more than 10 percent.
- At a Garfield Township meeting, residents voiced concerns over wind turbinescoming to Bay County.
- Huron County released the first draft of its “Master Plan,” which includes significant consideration of the future of renewable energy in the county.
- General Motors is developing a new 400kW charger that will provide 180 miles of range in less than 10 minutes.
- A solar power plant held a ribbon cutting in Grand Ledge.
National Energy Stories
- According to analysis by Natural Resources Defense Council and the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP), states can implement policies that potentially save customers $16 billion annually across 21 products by 2035.
- Despite low prices for natural gas and wholesale power, wind generation remains competitive according to the Department of Energy.
- Renewable energy deals continue to grow, representing 46% of the $83 billion power and utility sector deals completed worldwide in the second quarter, according to a report from Ernst & Young published Monday.
- Demand for residential energy-storage is surging in the U.S., with more capacity installed in the second quarter than in all of 2017.
- Solar power saved residents in the Northeast $6.7 million on one day in July, thanks to solar reducing demand during peak hours.
- A leading utility-backed investment firm finalized the creation of a $681 million fund to invest in clean energy firms.
- More than 3,400 cities and counties filed an amicus brief in support of the clean car standards established under the Obama administration.
- According to the Washington Examiner, utilities remain reluctant to invest in coal despite the Trump Administration’s recent policies to support the industry.
- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has selected communities to receive nearly $84.5 million in funding for transit projects through the Low- or No-Emission Grant program.
- Grid-connected battery capacity grew by 68 percent in 2017, according to a survey from the Smart Electric Power Alliance.
- There are 2,248,524 energy efficiency jobs in the United States, according to Energy Efficiency Jobs in America, a report released today.
- The California legislature passed a landmark 100% clean energy goal, which would direct state agencies to begin planning to supply 100% of retail electricity sales with carbon-free resources by 2045.
- Walmart, Whirlpool, JPMorgan Chase and other prominent companies endorsed a report calling for 2.2 GW of solar in Ohio by 2030.
- A Google-owned company has partnered with a San Francisco firm to bring grid-responsive smart home thermostats to the market.
- The megawatt-hours of energy storage used in the second quarter of this year is triple what was deployed during the same time period in 2017, at 156.5 MWh, according to the U.S. Energy Storage Monitor report from the Energy Storage Association and Wood Mackenzie Power and Renewables.
Michigan Energy Events
Hosted in Novi, Michigan September 11-13, The Battery Show North America will bring together more than 8,000 engineers and executives and more than 600 leading suppliers across the advanced battery supply chain. The conference will cover advanced battery technologies, electric and hybrid vehicle technology, and critical power technologies. Learn more and register here.
The Michigan Energy Office will host an electric vehicle (EV) ride-and-drive event from 9am to 1pm on Thursday, Sept. 13, in Lansing. Sponsored by Midwest EVOLVE and Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities, the event will feature test drives of several plug-in EV models, including hybrids and all-electric vehicles. Attendees are encouraged to get their EV questions answered from owners as well. The event will take place at Michigan Agency for Energy (MAE), 7109 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing.
The Annual Meeting for the National Association of State Energy Offices (NASEO) will be hosted in Detroit September 23-26. The event will focus on integrating electric vehicles, buildings, and the grid for greater efficiency, intelligence, resiliency, and mobility. Learn more and register here.
A public hearing will be held on the proposed SAFE Vehicles Rule on September 25 in Dearborn.
The University of Michigan’s Energy Club at Ross (ECR) proudly presents the 2018 Energy Conference. This year’s theme is “Disruptive Futures in Energy Technology” where the focus will be on how disruptive technologies and innovative business models are rapidly shaping the future of energy. The event is on September 28 at the Ross School of Business, 701 Tappan Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, Colloquium (6th Floor)
MSU IPU invites you to the 60th Annual Regulatory Studies Program’s 13th Advanced Regulatory Studies Program: Ratemaking, Accounting, Finance, and Evaluation. The event will provide intensive, interactive, and technical workshops for experienced professionals in the regulatory policy community. It will take place October 1-5 in East Lansing.
Michigan EIBC will host a members-only election recap on Friday, November 9. Watch your inboxes for registration details.
Michigan EIBC’s Annual Energy Innovator’s Gala is scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, in Lansing. Nominations will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Friday, August 31, 2018 and should be emailed to mieibc@mieibc.org. Sponsors
IEI will host a Corporate Purchasers Lunch & Learn at the House Office Building in Lansing on December 5. This event will be open to legislators and legislative staff, as well as Michigan EIBC members. Watch your inboxes for registration details.
National Energy Events
The 2018 Veteran’s Energy Seminar Series is scheduled for Boston (9/27). If you are interested in speaking or sponsoring an event, please visit www.vetsenergyseminar.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) invite you to Solar Power International, September 24-27, in Anaheim, California. Registration opens in spring of 2018 here.
PACENation Regional Ohio Conference on Property Assessed Clean Energy will be on September 26 in Columbus, Ohio. Register here.
Join 500+ attendees October 18-19 in Vermont for REVitalize: Transforming Energy Further, Fast, Together with keynote speakers Katherine Hamilton, chair of 38 North Solutions, and Gordan Van Welie, president and CEO of ISO New England.
Attend the 2018 ACEEE Rural Energy Conference on October 22 in Atlanta, Georgia. Register here.
MSU IPU invites you to the 60th Annual Regulatory Studies Program’s 46th Eastern NARUC Utility Rate School. The event provides comprehensive hands-on training on the basics of the public utility ratemaking process and is sponsored by the NARUC Committee on Water and featuring group work on a mock water utility rate case. It will take place October 22-26 in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
Join 20,000 energy professionals at the Energy Storage North America Solar+Storage Summit November 6-8 in Pasadena, California. Register here.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) invite you to Solar Power Midwest in Chicago on November 14-15.
You’re invited to Facing Race, a conference taking place in Detroit November 8-10. The conference will include several components related to energy democracy, helping cities and states to implement their new energy programs in a way that is racially equitable. For more information, please click here.
Announcements and Opportunities
ARPA-E Announces Funding Opportunity to Support Upcoming Grid Optimization (GO) Competition. Full applications due September 7.
The Michigan Energy Office (MEO) has announced a pilot program that will offer matching funds to eligible Michigan businesses to develop innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
USDA announced a set of loan guarantees and grants as a part of USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The deadlines to apply for grants are Oct. 31, 2018, and April 1, 2019. Applications for loan guarantees are accepted year-round. Additional information about the program and how to apply for this funding is available on page 40216 of the Aug. 14, 2018, Federal Register.