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June 18, 2026

Newsletter: MDOT EV charging network, Dr. Sherman as keynote panelist, Sophia Schuster joins ZETA board, and more!

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  • Newsletter: MDOT EV charging network, Dr. Sherman as keynote panelist, Sophia Schuster joins ZETA board, and more!
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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:

    MDOT Invests $100 Million in Statewide EV Charging Network

    The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced the third and final round of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program funding to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state. The $51 million RFP will support the installation of direct-current fast charging stations along designated alternative fuel corridors, helping create a more reliable and accessible charging network for EV drivers. The program is part of a broader federal effort to build a nationwide charging system and ensure drivers can travel long distances with greater confidence.

    Michigan has already awarded $55 million in funding for over 80 charging locations and anticipates this final round will support another 60 charging stations to further strengthen the state’s charging network. State officials say expanding charging access is essential to supporting growing EV adoption, attracting private investment, and reinforcing Michigan’s leadership in transportation innovation and advanced mobility. The buildout is expected to improve charging availability in both urban and rural areas while supporting the state’s long-term transportation and economic development goals.

    Read More

    EIBC President Dr. Laura Sherman Highlights Midwest Energy Leadership at National Conference

    Michigan EIBC President Dr. Laura Sherman took the stage this week as a keynote panelist at Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA) Midwest in Rosemont, Illinois. Sherman joined energy leaders Jason Houck from Michigan EIBC member company Form Energy and Carrie Zalewski from Constellation for the keynote discussion, “How the Midwest is Tackling AI Growth with Solar + Storage,” moderated by Canary Media Senior Reporter Julian Spector. The panel explored how states across the Midwest are responding to rapidly growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data centers while maintaining affordability, reliability, and progress toward clean energy goals.

    The discussion focused on policies and business strategies positioning the Midwest as a proving ground for large-scale clean energy development, including solar, energy storage, and grid modernization investments needed to support economic growth. Sherman brought Michigan’s perspective to the conversation, highlighting the state’s leadership in advancing clean energy solutions and fostering an innovation-driven energy economy.

    Michigan EIBC’s Sophia Schuster Joins ZETA Education Fund Board

    On June 3rd, Michigan EIBC Policy Principal, Sophia Schuster, was elected to the Zero Emission Transportation Association’s (ZETA) Education Fund Board. ZETA is a coalition focused on advancing the electric vehicle supply chain and enacting policies that drive EV adoption, accelerate job creation across the automotive supply chain, and maintain American EV manufacturing dominance in global markets. Sophia is honored to serve on the Board and is excited to bring a unique state-centric perspective to leverage educational initiatives and strategic communications to accelerate EV adoption and drive manufacturing.

    Renewing Members

    Click logos to learn more

    Located in the Village of Copemish, Contractors Building Supply, Inc. has been in the renewable energy business for nearly 40 years. We have a qualified team to meet all your renewable energy needs. From design and installation to energy assessing and consulting, CBS Solar is here to help you save money on your electric bill. From the smallest system for your home to the largest system for your business, CBS Solar has the experience and knowledge to do the job right!

    GEM Energy provides comprehensive services and technologies to improve customer business performance and reduce facility operation costs by providing expertise in engineering, procurement, construction, operations and maintenance. Services include renewable energy development and construction for the commercial, industrial, institutional and mission critical markets, with a focus on solar and battery storage. GEM Energy is part of the Rudolph Libbe Group (RLG), a one-stop provider of construction and facility services ranging from site selection and construction to energy solutions and ongoing facility management. The full-service contractor, comprised of Rudolph Libbe Inc., GEM Inc., GEM Energy, Lehman Daman and Rudolph Libbe Properties, is focused on ensuring its customers succeed. Our headquarters is in Toledo with offices in Cleveland, Columbus and Lima, Ohio; Ithaca, New York; and Detroit, Michigan areas.

    Growth Capital Network manages education and development programs for the innovation and entrepreneurial community. This has included the million-dollar Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition (AMIC), researcher education for Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization program (M-TRAC) and the Midwest Green Technology Entrepreneur Academy (MI-GTEA). GCN also provides analytical and evaluative services to measure the impact of entrepreneurial and innovation programs for the foundation and non-profit community.

    Savion, a Shell Group portfolio company, is one of the largest, most technologically advanced utility-scale solar and energy storage project development companies in the United States. With a growing portfolio of more than 40.8 GW, Savion’s diverse team provides comprehensive services at each phase of renewable energy project development, from conception through construction. As part of this full-service model, Savion manages all aspects of development for customers, partners, and project host communities. Savion is committed to helping decarbonize the energy grid by replacing electric power generation with renewable sources and delivering cost-competitive electricity to the marketplace.

    Michigan Energy News

    • Federal officials approve a major loan to support natural gas infrastructure projects in Michigan, citing growing energy demand and reliability needs. (Detroit Free Press)
    • Local officials and residents in Mecosta County continue to oppose Consumers Energy’s proposed sale of several hydroelectric dams, citing concerns about environmental impacts and community oversight. (Big Rapids News)  
    • White House officials promoted an “American energy dominance” agenda during a Lansing roundtable, emphasizing domestic energy production, grid reliability, and economic growth. (WLNS) 
    • Michigan’s clean energy transition is emerging as a key issue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with debates over the Clean Energy and Jobs Act expected to shape state political races. (Planet Detroit) 

    National Energy News

    • Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper proposed a new natural gas power plant in South Carolina to meet rising electricity demand from economic growth and large energy users. (Utility Dive) 
    • U.S. battery storage capacity is projected to grow rapidly through 2026, driven by increasing renewable energy deployment and rising demand for grid reliability and flexibility. (U.S. Energy Information Administration) 
    • Solar power is now being added to the U.S. grid faster than any other energy source, outpacing new coal and natural gas generation despite political efforts to revive fossil fuels. (The Guardian) 
    • As wildfire risks grow, some experts argue home microgrids combining solar, batteries, and backup power could improve resilience and reduce outage impacts. (Utility Dive) 

    Events

    • July 23-24: Michigan Energy Providers Conference – Join energy industry leaders, policymakers, utility representatives, regulators, and stakeholders from across Michigan at the 70th Annual Michigan Energy Providers Conference at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire. The conference provides opportunities to learn about key energy policy developments, discuss challenges and opportunities facing Michigan’s electric and natural gas sectors, and connect with professionals from across the energy industry through educational sessions and networking events. See event details here.
    • July 29: Multi-Modal eMobility Summit – Explore the future of electric transportation at the Gross Ile Municipal  Airport. This unique event will feature electric aircraft, EV charging demonstrations, industry roundtables, exhibitor showcases, and networking opportunities highlighting innovations in air, land, and marine mobility. Register here.

    Jobs

    If you have a job announcement you would like in the newsletter, please send the position and a link to apply to Charlotte Bunch at cbunch@5lakesenergy.com. Please include in the email a specific end date for the job posting.

    Opportunities

    Resources