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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:
DOE Secretary Granholm Visits Detroit for Battery Announcement with Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman
On Monday U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, joined by speakers including Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman, visited Detroit to announce $3.1 billion in funding to shore up the domestic supply chain for manufacturing and recycling batteries for EVs and energy storage and components of those batteries.
Granholm, who was governor of Michigan from 2003 to 2011, was clear that Michigan is going to continue to be one of the centers of this growing domestic industry. “We built car 1.0 (in Michigan), you better believe we’re going to build car 2.0, which is the electric vehicle,” Granholm said in her remarks at the warehouse of Focus: HOPE in Detroit.
Dr. Sherman’s comments focused on the jobs created by Michigan EIBC member companies and the broader advanced energy industry, including the more than 100,000 jobs, the majority in manufacturing, that existed in Michigan at the end of 2020 after the pandemic. “The state has made strong investments in EV battery manufacturing, but we need to continue to do more—and this includes focusing our sights on the federal opportunities like those being announced today,” Sherman said at the event.
The $3.1 billion in funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will be made available to applicants through the Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) (see Opportunities section for more details). Separately, the DOE also announced $60 million from the infrastructure bill that will go “to support second-life applications for batteries once used to power EVs, as well as new processes for recycling materials back into the battery supply chain.” That funding will be available through the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling and Second Life Applications FOA.
New MI Affordable Healthy Homes Proposal Would Address Energy Efficiency Contractor Shortage
The state of Michigan should make “comprehensive $1.65 billion investment that will ensure all Michiganders have affordable, healthy, comfortable homes,” including an overhaul of energy efficiency assistance, a coalition of business, housing, economic development, anti-poverty, energy and environmental, and business organizations, including Michigan EIBC, said in a letter sent to Gov. Whitmer and leaders in the state legislature this week.
The proposal, called MI Affordable Healthy Homes, would steer dollars from the federal American Recovery Plan, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other sources to fund programs that address the barriers to efficient and affordable housing for low and moderate-income people.
“In Michigan, low- and moderate-income families on average spend between 6 percent to a whopping 21 percent of income on energy bills,” the letter said. “The poor quality of Michigan’s housing for low-income residents is a widespread problem. In Michigan, 25 percent of homes that were eligible for weatherization help couldn’t access it because of structural, electrical, and plumbing deficiencies as well as the presence of toxins in paint, windows, flooring, and siding.”
Among the programs the MI Affordable Healthy Homes would create is a $5 million pilot for attracting and retaining new contractors to complete weatherization projects. That idea would begin to address a problem making it more difficult for the Weatherization Assistance Program to complete projects, causing missed opportunities for more energy efficiency, as Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman wrote about in a piece for Energy News Network.
The letter calls for “a single program tasked with conducting whole-home retrofits that address a range of energy, health, safety, and resilience upgrades for low and moderate income housing.”
The full list of organizations that signed on to the letter can be found here.
Register for May 23 EV Convening in Lansing
Michigan EIBC and Clean Fuels Michigan’s next EV Convening on May 23 is free and open to the public! Register here to join us at Public Sector Consultants at 230 N. Washington Square, Lansing.
The topic of the Convening is Moving Toward the Mobility Future: Opportunities for EVs in Michigan. Given the increase in federal funding focused on EVs and EV charging infrastructure, there is a need to ensure that Michigan is ready to take advantage of all of the coming opportunities. Specifically, the Infrastructure, Investments, and Jobs Act, will provide Michigan with $110 million for EV charging infrastructure as well as the opportunity to compete for significant grant funds. It is critical that we build upon the success of the utility EV pilot programs and partnerships between state, the utilities, and stakeholders.
This EV convening will focus on leveraging federal funding to expand EV charging infrastructure, as well as expanding and supporting efforts to ensure successful transition of the utility EV programs from pilot programs to permanent programs.
Sponsored by:
New Members
CleanCapital
CleanCapital is a diversified clean energy investment platform. It deploys a unique approach—underpinned by proprietary technology—to make attractive investments in middle market solar and energy storage projects. CleanCapital’s mission is to accelerate the flow of institutional capital into clean energy. Its deep expertise and focused approach has earned the trust of some of the world’s largest institutional investors, resulting in nearly $1 billion of cumulative acquisitions to date.
Our Next Energy, Inc. (ONE) is an energy storage company with a mission to double the distance EVs can travel. Founded in 2020, ONE uses safe, sustainable, low-cost battery chemistries for consumer and commercial electric vehicles, as well as develops technology for stationary storage – particularly around utility-scale energy storage systems. ONE is dedicated to the long-term vision of achieving vertical integration for American energy storage manufacturing by working to develop a robust and resilient domestic and ally supply chain for critical minerals. Headquartered in Novi, Michigan ONE domestically develops and validates both Aries and Gemini battery systems. ONE is committed to applying a holistic approach to growing the energy storage industry in the US. To do so, ONE is focused on the circularity of lithium-ion battery manufacturing; this includes sustainability and safety from sourcing of raw materials all the way to the secondary use and recycling, ensuring that ONE is safeguarding the growth of democratized energy. ONE is working to vertically integrate its materials supply chain by developing technologies that use more abundant and locally available raw materials. ONE aims to pioneer sustainable battery manufacturing practices in order to support American energy independence and position the United States as a leader in disruptive energy storage technology. As of April 2022, ONE has raised $95 million and has over 100 employees. In addition to ONE’s Michigan headquarters, ONE has two offices in California, a product development facility in LA and a R&D center in Silicon Valley.
Rhombus Energy
Rhombus develops and manufactures next-generation bi-directional electric vehicle charging infrastructure, high-efficiency power conversion systems and energy management system (EMS) software for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capable electric vehicle fleet charging. We proudly manufacture, certify and warehouse all of our products in Michigan.
SunStore Energy
SunStore Energy is a technical and economic advisory company specializing in solar power and energy storage development. SunStore collaborates with electricity customers, financial companies, developers, governments, utilities, land owners, EPCs, and other stakeholders to develop and execute successful projects. We work on projects across the United States and bring this expertise to best develop Michigan.
Renewing Members
Michigan Solar Solutions LLC
Michigan Solar Solutions was established in 2008. MSS has earned an excellent reputation for designing, selling, servicing and installing solar electric systems for homes, businesses, commercial buildings and municipalities.
Spartan Renewable Energy
Spartan Renewable Energy was founded in 2006 to sell renewable energy into Michigan’s Electric Choice market and to develop renewable energy projects. Spartan is a licensed Alternative Electric Supplier and also has market-based rate authority to sell into wholesale energy markets. Spartan is a member of Wolverine Power Cooperative.
Michigan Energy News
- Gov. Whitmer releases a Statewide Housing Plan that includes targets for home energy efficiency and weatherization improvements in over 15,000 households.
- Michigan joins with other states to sue the U.S. Postal Service over its purchase of thousands of gas-powered vehicles instead of zero-emissions vehicles.
- A New York developer is applying for a second time for air pollution permits for a proposed 1,000-MW natural gas power plant in Marshall.
- Both rural and urban communities in Michigan would benefit from performance-based regulation, income-based payment plans, weatherization and microgrids, Marquette City Commissioner Jenn Hill and Detroit City Councilmember Gabriella Santiago-Romero write in Bridge magazine.
- Michigan is still in contention as the potential site of a new EV battery factory, Stellantis COO Mark Stewart says.
- The city of Houghton in the Upper Peninsula is adding more EV charging stations with the help of a grant from Michigan EGLE.
National Energy News
- Primergy Solar closes financing on the 690-MW Gemini solar-plus-storage project in Nevada, expected to be the largest continuous solar installation in the U.S.
- The U.S. Department of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are launching initiatives to overcome the barriers that have so far blocked the development of a nation-spanning “macrogrid.”
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he would like to see the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant remain open, but there are questions whether that option is feasible at this point.
- PJM Interconnection and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) are claiming that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s enforcement of coal ash rules on coal plant operators could affect grid reliability.
- Community solar programs in Virginia and Washington DC are hitting snags in the form of fees and billing problems.
- The New England Independent System Operator proposes to delay the end of its minimum offer price rule.
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.
Advanced Energy Economy
Position: Executive Director, Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance / Policy Director, AEE. Austin, Texas, location preferred, but other Texas locations will be considered. AEE seeks a smart, innovative, and politically savvy Director to join AEE’s professional services team and lead our Texas engagement as the Executive Director of TAEBA. TAEBA’s Executive Director will lead and shape policy advocacy strategies in Texas and will work collaboratively with team members to develop and implement multi-year strategies and campaigns designed to achieve policy successes at the state and wholesale market level that will expand markets for the advanced energy industry and accelerate the transition to clean energy in Texas.
Advanced Energy Economy
Position: Policy Director – Decision Maker Education and Engagement & Wholesale Markets. East Coast location. AEE seeks a smart, innovative, and politically savvy Director to join AEE’s professional services team. To support the U.S. transition to 100% clean energy and electrified transportation, the Director will work with AEE team members to engage with and educate key decision makers on advanced energy, and to initiate, develop, and implement multi-year strategies designed to transform federally regulated wholesale electricity markets. The wholesale markets work will focus on building stakeholder coalitions in support of market rule changes necessary to support the growth of clean energy resources and speed the retirement of aging incumbent generating technologies in competitive wholesale electricity markets. The Director will also build and execute programs to educate key decision makers on advanced energy technologies and solutions to energy challenges facing them, whether through work with and at NARUC, regional NARUCs, or through other educational fora.
Ranger Power
Position: Assistant Development Manager
Ranger Power is seeking an Assistant Development Manager to join its development team in its Chicago office. As part of a small and dynamic development team, assistant development managers are expected to manage varying responsibilities as projects progress through the development process. As a developer at Ranger Power, you will drive all aspects of project development and strategy, including site prospecting and land acquisition, site analysis, landowner relations, permitting, interconnection, business development, and community engagement and outreach.
Michigan and National Energy Events
On July 12-14, PlugVolt will be hosting its next Battery Seminar in Plymouth, MI (USA) featuring an entire day of in-depth technical tutorials on solid-state batteries, next-gen anodes and cathodes, battery diagnostics, failures, battery management systems, etc. by world renowned professors from Top 50 US Universities. Attendees will also get an exclusive opportunity to tour INTERTEK Battery Testing Center of Excellence in Plymouth, MI (USA) firsthand, ask questions to resident experts, and enjoy some light appetizers and beverages while networking with industry peers. Register here.
Attention legislators, legislative staff, administration officials and Michigan EIBC members: Join the Institute for Energy Innovation (IEI) for an Energy Storage 101 Lunch & Learn on May 18 at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. Contact Brianna Gerard for more information.
On May 23, please join Michigan EIBC and Clean Fuels Michigan for an EV Convening on “Moving Toward the Mobility Future: Opportunities for EVs in Michigan.” This free event, open to both members and the public, will be held at Public Sector Consultants at 230 N. Washington Square, Lansing. Register here.
Opportunities
The DOE is seeking input on how to implement a resilient and efficient building code. This information will be used to develop a potential FOA. Responses to the Request for Information must be received by 5:00 p.m. (ET) on May 20.
The Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing FOA has a deadline of May 27 for letters of intent and July 1 for full applications.
Concept papers in response to the DOE’s Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling & Second-Life Applications FOA are due May 31 and full applications are due July 19.
Entities can receive funding for projects related to zero-emission vehicles under the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grants program or Low- and No-Emissions (Low-No) Program must submit a zero-emission fleet transition plan. Applications are dueMay 31.
The EV Exchange (EVX) is conducting a comprehensive survey with three critical stakeholder communities responsible for implementing our national strategy for the future of EVs, mobility, and climate change – 1. EV Manufacturers (and their supply chain), 2. Energy Infrastructure & Electric Grid companies, and 3. Federal & State Policy Makers and Regulators. Here is the survey link. Survey deadline for completion and submission is May 9.
Now in its fourth year, the E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs) 1 Hotel’s Fellowship provides funding to six Fellows each year to tackle the most pressing environmental issues across the country. Open to U.S.-based early and mid-career professionals and students, this yearlong, flexible fellowship provides $20,000 each to six selected fellows to support the execution projects that help advance climate action and a cleaner economy by engaging the power of businesses and making the economic case for the environment. Click here to find out more details about the program, which includes a link to apply. Applications will be accepted until May 9.
This April and May, Michigan Energy Options (MEO) Executive Director John A. Kinch, PhD, will teach a course in the Grand Valley State University Seidman College of Business on “Energy, Climate and Michigan Communities.” MEO is a member of MIEIBC and Kinch will host President Laura Sherman, PhD, speaking on “Renewable Energy Policy: The Good, Bad and The Not Enough.” Other expert guest speakers will address the solar industry, community energy equity and resiliency, decarbonizing the business sector and climate action. The course is intended for business professionals, local government officials, engaged community members and college students. Scholarships are available! Visit the website about the course here.
Aaron Kurz, a former Michigan EIBC intern and University of Michigan alum, is working to build a state-level Science Policy Fellowship in Michigan, the Michigan Initiative for Science Policy (MISP). This program will place five recent STEM PhD recipients throughout the Michigan state government to provide a source of non-partisan, evidence-based information to decision makers. MISP will join the 10 other state programs throughout the country, including Idaho, Missouri, and New Jersey. Additional information about this initiative may be found at miscipol.org. If you are interested in providing written support for MISP, please contact Aaron at aaron.kurz@miscipol.org.
Consumers Energy has released draft materials for its RFP that will solicit solar and wind generation projects in accordance with the company’s expansion of its Voluntary Green Pricing Program. This RFP will be administered by Enel X, affiliated with Michigan EIBC member Enel Green Power. According to the RFP administrator, “questions pertaining to this RFP or the proposal submittal process can be sent via email to Enel X by way of VGPRFP@enel.com. In the event others within your organization did not receive this notice and are interested in being added to the RFP listserv, please send a request via email to VGPRFP@enel.com with contact details for those to be added. Final proposals are due May 31.
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 “Guest 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.