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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:
Michigan EIBC, Advanced Energy United Comment on Implementation of Energy Storage Targets
The target of 2,500 MW of energy storage for Michigan by 2030, set by legislation last year, is a gamechanger, and already we are seeing large storage projects being planned to be built in the state in coming years. Now, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), in implementing the law, needs to get the details right so the targets are set to maximize new storage, and Michigan EIBC and Advanced Energy United recently submitted comments to the MPSC on that topic.
One of the biggest issues that needs to be worked out is how much of the target each utility needs to procure. The law states that “an electric provider’s share of the statewide energy storage target shall be apportioned based on the electric provider’s annual average contribution to in-state retail electric peak load” over a five-year period. The MPSC staff has proposed that every year a new calculation of this share of peak load will be made. In the comments, Michigan EIBC and Advanced Energy United recommended that the MPSC add a proviso that when a utility begins modeling its planned storage commitments in an integrated resource plan, the utility should use the most recent calculation of its storage target and not be required to modify its modeling to align with a new annual calculation if such a calculation is available before the utility’s IRP is filed.
“This determination would provide greater certainty to utilities, stakeholders, and the Commission when evaluating an IRP filing. To require otherwise would potentially subject the utility and stakeholders to a moving energy storage target,” the comments said.
The MPSC also is conducting a study on long duration storage potential. Michigan EIBC and Advanced Energy United recommended that the study attempt to estimate the amount of long-duration and multi-day energy storage that utilities in the state may need in coming years. “Doing so would help ensure that as utilities work toward achieving their procurement allocations, they do so by procuring a portfolio that is optimized for customers to meet their overall system energy storage needs,” the comments said.
McKinsey Analysis: Semiconductor Industry Needs to Do More To Prepare For Expanding Manufacturing Demand
A new analysis from consulting firm McKinsey argues that it is “imperative” for the semiconductor industry to invest more in workforce development so it is ready for the increased demand for semiconductor manufacturing triggered by federal investment and market trends.
McKinsey cites efforts by Michigan EIBC member Hemlock Semiconductor as an example of workforce development gone right. In 2023, Hemlock expanded its facility in Saginaw County and grew its workforce.
“By partnering with a local transit authority to subsidize a new bus route to its facility, the company was able to widen its talent pool while reducing transit expenses for employees,” the analysis said.
In 2022, Gov. Whitmer signed a bill that provided a one-time $27 million workforce and infrastructure grant to expand the municipal wastewater capacity in Thomas and Saginaw Townships in Saginaw County and this grant allowed Hemlock to expand its operations and create up to 170 new jobs.
McKinsey notes how the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which steered billions in federal funds toward semiconductor manufacturing, has helped increase domestic workforce in semiconductors, and also laid the groundwork for more projects that will further increase demand for workers in this sector in coming years.
Current workforce development efforts, however, are insufficient to meet this expected demand, the report argues.
“About 1,500 engineers join the semiconductor industry each year, making up just 3 percent of the 52 percent of engineering graduates who enter engineering roles,” it said. “Contrast those numbers with 88,000—the forecast demand for semiconductor engineers by 2029—and the potential scope of the gap becomes apparent.”
The report makes a number of recommendations for short-term and long-term strategies to address this gap. “It is not only possible for the semiconductor industry to address its growing labor shortages head on—it is imperative,” McKinsey said.
Shortly after the CHIPS Act was passed, Gov. Whitmer delivered a speech at Hemlock praising the bill.
Register for 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala
Michigan EIBC is excited to welcome our members, Michigan legislators and state officials, and the general public to our 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala on September 25th at The Gem Theatre in Detroit. Register now for one of our most popular events!
The keynote speaker will be Amalgamated Bank Director of Climate Banking Nicole Steele, a nationally recognized leader and expert with over 20 years’ experience in clean energy, focusing on equitable deployment and workforce development. She recently joined Amalgamated Bank as the Director of Climate Banking where she will lead the bank’s efforts to execute on the potential of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). Prior to joining Amalgamated, she was instrumental in the development of the GGRF programs including the National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF), Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA), and Solar for All (SFA) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and worked in partnership with the U.S. Treasury on the Inflation Reduction Act’s solar tax credits including the Low-Income Communities Bonus Tax Credit.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please reach out to Brianna. You can view the available sponsorship levels and benefits here. Please note that the Watt level is sold out. And thank you to our current sponsors, whose generosity helps to make our annual gala a huge success!
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Michigan Energy News
- Gov. Whitmer attends a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new facility manufacturing energy-efficient windows in Hillsdale County.
- A tour highlighting clean energy programs in Michigan kicks off with an event in Flint, with stops coming in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit.
- Attorney General Dana Nessel says her office will release a report about the prosecution related to the Flint water crisis by the end of the year.
National Energy News
- Virtual power plants can help with record-high capacity prices in the territory of Mid-Atlantic grid operator PJM, Michael Smith, CEO of Michigan EIBC member CPower, writes in Utility Dive.
- Xcel Energy’s Clean Heat Plan for Colorado will spend most of its $440 million on electrification and energy efficiency after opposition to a previous version of the plan from environmental groups.
- SolarShare Wisconsin Cooperative raises $1 million to support more community solar projects in Wisconsin.
Renewing Member
Vesco Oil Corporation
Vesco Oil Corporation is an ISO certified total solution provider to automotive and industrial customers. Vesco supplies lubricants, fluids, and related products and services. Vesco is an environmental leader, providing comprehensive management of both regulated hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Vesco is committed to the development of clean energy solutions to support the needs of our customers. We offer solutions for charging station installation and repair, transportation and recycling of batteries and other materials from manufacturing. Vesco is dedicated to Michigan’s clean energy industry. Vesco is committed to delivering the best service in the industry; we never compromise integrity; we provide environmental leadership; we feature high quality products; and we care about people.
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.
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 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
On Aug. 20, Michigan EGLE is holding a webinar titled “Michigan’s $129.1M Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Award: Creating the Renewables Ready Communities Program.” The webinar will provide an overview of the recently-awarded grant. Register here.
On Aug. 28, Michigan EIBC member Enchanted Rock is sponsoring a webinar with Data Center Frontier on “Breaking Power Gridlock: How Data Centers and Utilities Can Partner to Power New Load Growth.” Find out more here.
The RECESS24 National Black and Brown Clean Energy Summit will be held in Detroit on Sep. 9 to 11. Find more information here.
The 12th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala will be held in Detroit on Sept. 25. Tickets are available now.
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.
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.
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 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 Sept. 30. 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.