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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 Convenes Stakeholders for Discussion on Agrivoltaics
Michigan EIBC welcomed researchers, farmers, developers, policymakers, and clean energy leaders to Michigan State University’s W.K. Kellogg Biological Station on June 24 for a public convening focused on agrivoltaics. The event provided an opportunity for attendees to explore how solar energy and agricultural production can coexist on working farmland while supporting rural economic development and Michigan’s clean energy goals.
The event featured a presentation from Dr. Anthony Kendall focused on research into the benefits of agrivoltaics and a panel discussion with Dr. Michael Reinke of MSU, Allen Bonthuis of Harvest Solar, and Samantha Craig of UA Heartland Alliance. Michigan EIBC extends its thanks to all speakers, partners, EGLE, and attendees whose participation helped make the convening a success!
New Report Finds Solar Uses Less than 0.1% of US Prime Farmland
A new report and interactive map released by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) challenges common misconceptions about solar developments’s impact on agricultural land. According to the analysis, solar projects currently occupy just 0.04% of total U.S. land area and 0.07% of the nation’s prime farmland. The report also found that no state has more than 0.5% of its prime farmland dedicated to solar energy development.
SEIA’s findings show that other land uses have a much larger footprint on prime farmland than solar. Nationally, there are 43 acres of abandoned prime farmland for every acre of solar development on prime farmland, while golf courses use 2.6 times more prime farmland than solar. The report also found that since 2014, suburban development has consumed roughly six times more prime farmland than solar projects. SEIA says the data demonstrates that solar energy can be deployed while preserving productive agricultural land and supporting rural economies.
Renewing Members
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Michigan Energy News
- Rising DTE Energy bills are placing growing financial strain on many Detroit households, prompting renewed calls for stronger utility affordability programs and consumer protections. (Planet Detroit)
- Consumers Energy receives approval for power purchase agreements totaling 1.3 GW of new solar capacity, advancing the utility’s clean energy goals and expanding renewable generation in Michigan. (Renewables Now)
- Michigan lawmakers consider new guardrails for data center development, as policymakers weigh economic benefits against growing concerns over energy demand, water use, and impacts on local communities. (Detroit Free Press)
- Consumers Energy’s management of hydroelectric dams along the Au Sable River is at the center of an ongoing debate over river health, recreation, and the future of one of Michigan’s most treasured waterways. (Bridge Michigan)
National Energy News
- U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres calls on AI companies to disclose their environmental impacts and power data centers with 100% renewable energy by 2030. (ESG Dive)
- Walmart signs a deal with Constellation Energy to purchase power from an existing nuclear plant, highlighting growing interest from major corporations in securing reliable, carbon-free electricity. (Heatmap)
- New federal legislation would require utilities to bear a greater share of the costs for major transmission projects, a proposal supporters say would protect ratepayers but critics argue could slow grid expansion. (Heatmap)
- DOE offers up to $175 billion in federal loans to support the construction of 10 large nuclear reactors as part of a broader effort to expand reliable, carbon-free electricity generation. (Utility Dive)
- Trump administration announces up to $175 billion in federal loans to support the construction of 10 new nuclear reactors, aiming to expand reliable domestic energy generation and meet growing electricity demand. (ABC News)
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
- 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.
- 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.