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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:
Registration Now Open for 13th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Conference
Join us for our most popular event of the year! Register now for Michigan EIBC’s annual conference, to be held in East Lansing on April 2.
The Michigan Energy Innovators Conference provides attendees with an opportunity to network, learn about innovations in advanced energy, and get an overview on the latest policy developments. Our conference includes: main-stage panels, several break-out panels with dozens of expert panelists, presentations from energy experts, and networking.
More details about speakers and panels are available on the conference website. Sponsorship opportunities are available now! Contact Brianna (brianna@mieibc.org) for more information.
Thank you to our sponsors!
TERAWATT 
MEGAWATT
KILOWATT
the WATT
Sherman: Trump Executive Orders Don’t Change Economic Fundamentals
While President Trump’s executive orders are sowing uncertainty over the fate of various federal funds, including grants from the Inflation Reduction Act for energy projects, the president’s actions can’t undo the fundamental market factors driving clean energy, Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman said in a recent interview with MLive.
“The bigger picture is that renewable energy is the cheapest form of new energy,” Dr. Sherman said. “You can’t change economics and the market with an executive order. Despite the president and the new administration’s desire to reopen coal mines and coal-fired power plants, the economics just aren’t there.”
The mLive story also quotes Michigan EIBC member 5 Lakes Energy Managing Partner Douglas Jester and MichAuto Director Glenn Stevens, both about the effects of Trump orders on funding for EVs and EV infrastructure. “I’m worried that if the U.S. auto industry isn’t able to be on the leading edge on electric vehicles, that we’re going to lose our place in the global auto industry,” Jester said. “That would be bad for Michigan.”
The degree to which already-disbursed federal grants for EVs and EV projects are or are not protected by being clawed back by the federal government is creating uncertainty, Stevens said. “This industry does not do well with uncertainty,” he said.
Michigan Leads Nation in Clean Energy Projects Post-IRA, Report Finds
Michigan continues to lead the nation in the number of new clean energy projects announced since the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was passed in August 2022. According to the latest update from Climate Power’s report, The State of the Clean Energy Boom, companies across all 50 states have announced and advanced a total of 751 new clean energy projects. Of these, 74 projects are located in Michigan, more than any other state.
Michigan’s clean energy projects have already generated $27.84 billion in investments, including funding from federal sources and tax credits related to clean energy plans. Due to this increase in investment, Michigan is emerging as a hub for battery, electric vehicle, and solar manufacturing, creating over 26,352 jobs, with 17,903 of these positions located in disadvantaged communities.
Notable projects include Fortescue Metals’ marine battery pack manufacturing facility in Detroit, which plans to create over 600 jobs; Michigan EIBC member General Motors retooling its Lansing Grand River plant for EV assembly, which will retain 650 union workers at the facility; and Corning solar component manufacturing facility in Richland Township, which will create 1,151 new jobs.
New Member
TJA-BR is a family run solar development company made up of a couple of father son duos. Our team brings our combined experience in developing community solar farms to Michigan (smaller 25-30 acre projects). Our work, to date, has helped illuminate the U.S. with economic benefits to landowners and their local communities.
Renewing Members
Advanced Energy United is a national association of businesses that are making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. Advanced energy encompasses a broad range of products and services that constitute the best available technologies for meeting energy needs today and tomorrow. These include energy efficiency, demand response, energy storage, solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, electric vehicles, biofuels and smart grid. Advanced Energy United represents more than 100 companies in the $238 billion U.S. advanced energy industry, which employs 3.6 million U.S. workers.
Bird Dog Development, LLC (“Bird Dog”) is a renewable energy development company focused on helping owner/operators of utility-scale wind farms (and other generators) to maximize the value of their associated interconnection rights through the addition of solar and/or storage via the surplus interconnection process.
ChargePoint is the largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network, with a growing global presence across North America, Europe, and beyond. The company offers a diverse portfolio of charging solutions for fleets and in every category EV drivers charge, at home, work, around town and on the road along with a suite of software and cloud services designed to optimize the user experience and make driving electric more seamless than ever. With more than 300,000 ports on their network and even more on the mobile app with roaming partners (available on iOS and Android) drivers can easily find available charging stations, start a charging session, receive status updates regarding their charging sessions, and more; ChargePoint is effectively serving the rapidly growing EV driver community.
Metro Consulting Associates (MCA) is a multifaceted energy, land, and community development firm that serves both private and public sector clients throughout the Midwestern United States and beyond. Founded in 2009 as a land surveying firm, MCA has grown to provide a mix of services, talent, and technology driven by client needs and community goals to make life better. With the capabilities and expertise typically found in large, multidisciplinary firms, combined with the agile project management and budget-friendly services of a smaller firm, Metro Consulting Associates delivers on value. Serving clients in the power and energy, municipal, land development, and oil and gas markets, MCA’s technical expertise will satisfy any and all emerging challenges, taking you where you want to go.
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC (together with its affiliated entities, “NextEra Energy Resources”), is a clean energy leader and is one of the largest wholesale generators of electric power in the U.S., with approximately 21,000 megawatts of net generating capacity, primarily in 36 states and Canada as of year-end 2018. NextEra Energy Resources, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. The business operates clean, emissions-free nuclear power generation facilities in New Hampshire, Iowa and Wisconsin as part of the NextEra Energy nuclear fleet, which is one of the largest in the United States. NextEra Energy Resources, LLC is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.
Vesper Energy provides innovative solutions to today’s complex energy challenges. Headquartered in the greater Dallas area, Vesper Energy comprises professionals who have collectively delivered more than 10 GW of renewable energy projects globally. Today, our pipeline includes over 49 renewable energy and storage projects with a generating capacity of 16 GW, enough to power more than 2 million homes. Working with our customers, communities, and business partners, we develop, own, and operate renewable energy projects across the United States to build a better energy infrastructure.
Michigan Energy News
- The Ypsilanti City Council votes to set a policy to go “electric-first” for city vehicles.
- In an order on DTE’s electric rate case, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) cuts the utility’s request by half but the Citizens Utility Board of Michigan says the order is still in many ways a missed opportunity to incent better performance from DTE.
- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joins a coalition of state attorneys general who are suing to block a Trump executive order to withhold federal funding from states.
- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) shares new details about awardees of Renewables Ready Communities Awards.
National Energy News
- President Trump’s attempt to halt the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program is likely illegal, experts say, as reported by Canary Media.
- Four governors, nine state utility commissions, ratepayer advocates and others support a complaint at FERC that argues PJM’s capacity auction price cap should be temporarily lowered.
- Poor design and management of Maryland’s renewable portfolio standard is holding back the growth of renewable energy in that state, a new report alleges.
- Michigan EIBC member NextEra Energy makes an announcement on work with GE Vernova on behind-the-meter gas generation.
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 United
Policy Associate – Central. Location: Austin, Tex.
Advanced Energy United is currently seeking a candidate with strong interpersonal and communication skills and excellent analytical and writing skills with interest and/or experience in policy advocacy for an entry-level Associate position. The Associate will work with other Advanced Energy United team members to accelerate the U.S.’s transition to 100% clean energy and clean transportation. This work will involve supporting a variety of priority initiatives across the organization but with focus on Central Region states (TX, IL, IN, MI and WI). This includes educating decision-makers about advanced energy, helping other advocates understand policy levers, and facilitating advanced energy member company engagement with decision-makers. The Associate will also help Advanced Energy United track legislative and regulatory policy developments around the country using our software platform Insight Engine, providing up-to-date policy intelligence to subscribers.
Policy Principal – Central. Location: Remote.
United seeks an enthusiastic, smart, innovative Principal with a background in issue advocacy and/or coalition building at the state level to join our policy and campaign team. The principal will work with United team members to develop and implement multi-year strategies and initiatives designed to achieve policy successes at the state level that will accelerate the clean energy transition while expanding markets for the advanced energy industry. The Principal will craft and execute creative strategies to: enact pro-advanced energy policies in key states in our Central Region, primarily Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan with secondary focus on Wisconsin and Texas; educate and build support for advanced energy technologies and policies among key decision-makers within states; engage in regulatory proceedings in states; support and advocate for the implementation of the state and federal laws by state regulatory and executive agencies; defend existing advanced energy policies; and educate and activate policymakers and executive agency staff on regional solutions needed to achieve 100% clean energy. The principal will also lead, execute and/or support United’s regulatory engagements in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Candidates will need to have the ability to travel to meet with United members, coalition allies and stakeholders, and public officials.
Elevate
Director of Government Partnerships. Location: Chicago/Remote.
The Director of Government Partnerships manages federal and public sector funding opportunities to support a comprehensive development plan to diversify revenue streams, realize fundraising goals, and contribute to designing and implementing structures and systems. The Director of Government Partnerships leads Elevate’s strategy for public sector fundraising and oversees the development of government-funded proposals and programs in coordination with implementation teams and operations. This role partners with other Development Team members and colleagues across the organization to develop and achieve annual fundraising goals.
Decarbonization Project Manager, Community Programs (MI). Location: Michigan.
Elevate’s Decarbonization Project Manager on the Community Programs – Michigan Team is integral in advancing Elevate’s goal of decarbonizing affordable housing and non-profit buildings. The Decarbonization Project Manager, Community Programs also contributes to various projects aimed at improving building performance and promoting clean energy solutions. This position leads and executes assignments in specialized technical domains, working collaboratively with team members to achieve our mission and commitment exceptional project delivery while demonstrating Elevate’s organizational values, commitment to equity, and principles of partnership
Senior Project Consultant, Community Consulting. Location: Chicago.
The Senior Project Consultant, Community Consulting works with communities to guide the implementation of projects and programs, maintains client relationships, and assists with program development for initiatives related to affordable housing and sustainable communities with an emphasis on energy and water efficiency, renewable energy, decarbonization, and community resilience. Projects focus on providing technical assistance to communities to help them achieve their sustainability goals by identifying funding opportunities, connecting them to technical resources, and providing expertise in policy and program design centered on equity, economic inclusion, and community and stakeholder engagement. This position requires experience with community engagement best practices and familiarity with building retrofit programs, building science practices, and their connection with climate equity. The Senior Project Consultant, Community Consulting collaborates with others in the National Strategic Engagement team and with core service departments of Elevate, as well as national partner organizations.
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Departmental Analyst 9-P11/12, MI Solar for All Program Analyst. Location: Lansing.
This is a limited term position that functions as the MI Solar for All (MISFA) program analyst in the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Executive Office, Office of Climate and Energy (OCE). The MISFA program has been awarded $156 million to support implementation of residential and community solar serving low-income and disadvantaged households to reduce household energy burden and greenhouse gas emissions. The program also includes energy storage deployment, enabling building upgrades, workforce development, community/technical assistance, vendor/consultant management, stakeholder engagement, site visits, and monitoring, performance and compliance activities.
Engineer 9-P11 – MI Solar for All Program Engineer. Location: Lansing.
This limited term position functions as the MI Solar for All (MISFA) program engineer in the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Executive Office, Office of Climate and Energy (OCE). The MISFA program has been awarded $156 million to support implementation of residential and community solar serving low-income and disadvantaged households to reduce household energy burden and greenhouse gas emissions. The program also includes energy storage deployment; enabling building upgrades; workforce development; community/technical assistance; vendor/consultant management; stakeholder engagement; site visits; and monitoring, performance, and compliance activities.
This position will help conduct research and analyses supporting successful deployment of the MISFA program. Topics may include electric reliability, energy resiliency, and solar and storage equipment types and operation. In addition, it will help develop, evaluate, and manage MISFA grant programs. The role will include collaborating with relevant entities, such as residential households, state agencies, local governments, Tribal nations, community-based organizations, and utilities to ensure developed programs meet Michigan community needs as well as MISFA programmatic needs.
Michigan and National Energy Events
Join the Detroit 2030 District for its 2025 January Kickoff Party & Fundraiser on Jan. 30. Tickets are available for sale here.
The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is holding a Green Career Fair on Jan. 31. Employers and students can register here.
The 13th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Conference will be held at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing on April 2. Register here.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) MI Healthy Climate Conference is taking place April 22-23 at the Huntington Place in Detroit. Find out more here.
Opportunities
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has announced the first in a series of Requests for Proposals, offering $5 million in initial funding to support the deployment of non-public Level 2 alternating current electric vehicle charging stations at existing multifamily housing units. Individual grant awards are capped at $300,000, with applicants required to provide a minimum 30% match of the total requested funds if the project is outside an environmental justice community. Find the RFP here. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated.
Michigan Clean Energy Leaders (MCEL), is seeking nominees for our next cohort. A fellowship program and network, MCEL convenes leaders to build relationships, share knowledge and skills, and nurture collaboration to accelerate Michigan’s clean energy transition. MCEL is seeking nominees — diverse in identity, background, geography and industry — who are in the first 10-15 years of a career in clean energy. Please visit micleanenergyleaders.com today to learn more and submit a nomination!
Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification is accepting applications for its career transition program, Momentum, which according to the office is “designed to guide experienced professionals like you through a smooth transition from the corporate world to the dynamic startup ecosystem.” Applications are due Feb. 7.
Michigan EIBC member Michigan Saves is excited to announce a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for predevelopment technical assistance services to help advance clean energy projects across Michigan. This initiative aims to equip organizations with the resources and expertise needed to design, develop, and implement impactful energy solutions. Michigan Saves encourages qualified professionals to submit their proposals and contribute to building a sustainable future. Find the RFQ here. The deadline for submitting responses is Feb. 21.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has announced several new programs with funding available for energy-related projects, including the Agriculture and Rural Business Energy Incentive Program, the Small Manufacturers Retooling Program, the Grid Resiliency Program, the Water Energy Nexus Program and the Sponsorship Program.
The Electrification Coalition is calling on American businesses, trade associations, and workforce development organizations to urge the federal government to support the domestic EV manufacturing industry by maintaining clean vehicle tax policies and grants to continue to incentivize private investment. Read the letter here and fill out the form to add your organization as a signatory.
The Coalition for Green Capital (CGC) has an open, rolling solicitation seeking proposals for investment from project developers, sponsors, communities, private equity firms, financial intermediaries, co-lenders or others. Find out more information here.
The State of Michigan’s Michigan Infrastructure Office Technical Assistance Center has launched a website with information about how tax-exempt entities can take advantage of federal clean energy tax credits using elective pay.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program is accepting applications from agricultural producers and rural small businesses for grants and guaranteed loans There is an upcoming deadline on March 31. Find out more here.
Proposals are due Feb. 7 for Round 2 of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The MPSC has released a request for proposals seeking applicants for $4.875 million in Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure Enhancement and Development grants. The deadline is March 20, and you can find out more at the MPSC’s webpage for the program here.
Michigan EGLE is offering at least $320,000 in funding MI Solar Communities-MI Solar Access Program. Applications will be accepted through March 31 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.
Michigan State University’s Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE) is seeking a full-time Associate Professor (FT) to serve as the Director of the Institute of Public Utilities (IPU). Find out more about this position here.
RMI is looking for a regulatory expert to join its electricity team and help implement regulatory policies to ensure the energy transition is affordable for all. Find out more about this position here.
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.
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.