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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 at the MI Healthy Climate Conference
Michigan EIBC attended and presented at the MI Healthy Climate Conference this week, offering perspectives on how state climate efforts have advanced over the past year and what’s next.
President Laura Sherman moderated a panel on energy storage for a resilient grid. Following a roadmap that Michigan EIBC and the Institute for Energy Innovation (IEI) developed for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), Michigan set a statewide target of 2,500 MW by 2030. The panel discussed the pathway to meeting that target and advances in storage technologies.
Senior Director of Policy Grace Michienzi moderated a panel on the implementation of Michigan’s residential decarbonization roadmap. Michigan EIBC and IEI recently published a policy roadmap for efficient and all electric homes in Michigan commissioned by EGLE. The discussion centered on the technologies, partnerships, and policies needed to make the roadmap a reality.
Policy Principal Sophia Schuster spoke on a panel about the role of electric school buses in transporting kids, enabling vehicle-to-grid technology, and contributing to a circular economy.
Sophia Schuster Talks EV Charging on The Metro (WDET)
Michigan EIBC Policy Principal Sophia Schuster joined The Metro (WDET) on Monday to discuss the state of EV charging infrastructure in Michigan. Schuster broke down the bureaucratic and policy obstacles that slow EV charging infrastructure, as well as highlighted the need for energy independence from foreign oil.
Laura Sherman Discusses Siting Renewables
Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman joined a symposium titled “The Michigan Model for Siting Renewable Energy: Policy, Implementation, and Impacts” hosted by the University of Michigan Taubman College. Sherman’s panel discussed the implementation of PA 233 and how Michigan’s law might shape future renewable energy siting efforts.
Michigan EIBC 14th Annual Conference
Our most popular event of the year, the annual conference brings together leaders in Michigan’s advanced energy industry, utility executives, policymakers, regulators, and others for 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, a pre-and post-reception, and plenty of time for networking.
We’re excited to announce the lineup for Small Talks, Big Ideas, a series of short presentations at the conference. Check out the rest of the agenda here.
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!
Please reach out to Brianna <brianna@mieibc.org> to sponsor.
Renewing Members
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Michigan Energy News
- House Republicans’ budget proposal cuts EGLE’s budget by 51%, removing energy programs and more. (Gongwer)
- The MPSC approved a rehearing on Consumers Energy’s Renewable Energy Plan after a petition from Michigan EIBC and others. (MPSC)
- Attorney General Nessel appealed the MPSC’s approval of DTE’s special contracts with a data center in Saline Township. (MLive)
- Utility regulators frequently ignore administrative judges’ recommendations to cut utility profits, consumer advocates say. (MLive)
National Energy News
- The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects solar generation to grow 17% this summer. (Utility Dive)
- MISO expects 35% load growth by 2035 as a result of new data centers. (Utility Dive)
- A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s restrictions on wind and solar projects while a lawsuit progresses through court. (NYT)
Events
- May 7: Charting Michigan’s Data Center Future Together — The University of Michigan is hosting a convening that brings together state and local leaders, community groups, the private sector, and researchers to discuss data center development in Michigan. Register by April 22
- May 15: Workers Gala — The Workforce Development Institute’s Workers Gala will celebrate workers and labor allies, and raise funds for apprenticeship readiness programs across Michigan. Get tickets
- May 27-28: IES Energy Symposium 2026 — Join the University of Michigan’s Institute for Energy Solutions to discuss opportunities in electricity grid technology and computation, biotechnology for energy feedstocks, critical minerals, geothermal systems, data centers, behavioral challenges in energy, and more. More details will be added to the symposium website as they become available. Registration is free but limited due to the size of the event space.
- May 28: Michigan EIBC Legislative Reception — Join Michigan EIBC for a legislative reception following the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference. See event details here. No registration necessary.
- *NEW*June 10: Institute for Energy Innovation Energy 101 — Come learn about how advanced energy and mobility technologies stem the tide of rising energy bills while improving energy resiliency and reliability. For Michigan EIBC members and legislators/staff only, please email mieibc@mieibc.org for more information.
Jobs
If you have a job announcement you would like in the newsletter, please send the position and a link to apply to Kaei Li at kaei@mieibc.org. Please include in the email a specific end date for the job posting.
Opportunities
- *NEW* MI Healthy Climate Challenge #4 on industrial decarbonization (Letters of intent due May 19)
- Sponsors and donations needed to 3x impact of the HARVEST Project — a collaboration with United Agrivoltaics Heartland Alliance, UMich SEAS, and MSU Extension. Masters students work on real-world land use and community challenges faced by solar and farmers. Sponsor a case study while gaining visibility and tailored insights!
- Sustainable States Network RFQ for Build America, Buy America (BABA)-Compliant Charging Equipment (Rolling)
- Michigan EGLE funding (Rolling)
Resources
- The Small Business Association of Michigan published a compilation of available clean energy federal tax credits for businesses. See Clean Energy Tax Credits for Michigan Businesses
- EGLE RETAP and DOE’s Onsite TAP can assist with assessing the suitability of a various clean energy projects for Michigan businesses
- MSU’s ITAC program and EGLE RETAP can assist businesses with energy efficiency audits and recommendations
- The National Governors Association and the National League of Cities EV Workforce Collaborative Resource Hub
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources best practices for wind energy and wildlife in Michigan
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources best practices for solar energy and wildlife in Michigan
- The 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.
- See new deadlines for elective pay following the passage of OBBBA.
- 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.