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August 6, 2026

Newsletter: Renewables Ready Community Award and EV charging stations

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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:

    2026 Renewables Ready Communities Award

    Last week, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) launched the latest round of funding for its renewables ready communities award. This funding opportunity gives local governments the opportunity to receive state funding when a  utility-scale renewable energy or energy storage project is permitted locally in their area. To date, 57 Michigan municipalities have taken advantage of the program, adding more than 6,000 megawatts of wind, solar, and energy storage to the grid. 

    Michigan EIBC advocated for the program, including the additional funding authorized last year, and we are glad to see the program reopen to support local communities, land owners, and companies to move beneficial projects forward. To apply for the next round of funding, click here.

    Michigan Expands EV Charging Station Options

    A new report from Anderson Economic Group reveals that Michigan’s charging infrastructure has increased, with 180 DC fast charging stations added across the state since 2024. This rise in adoption keeps up with the national average of an increase of just over 30%, with a total of 569 fast charging stations now in operation throughout Michigan.

    Meanwhile, Tesla spokespeople revealed during the inaugural Multi-Modal eMobility Summit at Grosse Ile, sponsored by Michigan EIBC and other partners, that the company is adding charging infrastructure for its Semi electric trucks Metro Detroit. This announcement comes in tandem with the ramping up production of its commercial vehicle.

    Earlier this year, Michigan EIBC Policy Principal Sophia Schuster wrote an op-ed for Bridge Michigan about the value of increasing electric vehicle supply at a time when gas prices are volatile. In the piece, Schuster notes that “unlike gas and diesel-powered vehicles, EVs are immune to sudden shocks. They depend on stable electricity prices, determined on a yearly basis by regulators.”

    Register For the 14th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala

    Michigan EIBC’s 14th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala will return to Detroit’s Gem Theatre on October 7, bringing together more than 300 leaders from across Michigan’s advanced energy industry, government, and business community for an evening of networking and recognition. Since its inception, the Gala has become one of Michigan EIBC’s premier events, celebrating the companies, projects, and public officials helping advance Michigan’s energy economy while providing attendees an opportunity to connect with industry peers and policymakers. For event information and registration, click the button below.

    REGISTER FOR THE GALA HERE

    Michigan EIBC extends its sincere appreciation to this year’s Gala sponsors, whose support helps make the event possible. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Brianna (brianna@mieibc.org) for more information!

    RENEWING MEMBERS

    Click logos to learn more

    5 Lakes Energy is a Michigan-based policy consulting firm dedicated to advancing policies and programs that promote clean energy, sustainability and the environment.

    Teichner Law is a Traverse City–based environmental and clean energy law practice serving landowners, municipalities, nonprofits, and community groups across Michigan and the Great Lakes region. The firm provides strategic legal counsel on renewable energy projects, land use, zoning, and environmental protection, including representation in environmental litigation, MPSC proceedings, and local permitting processes. Teichner Law works to help clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes, protect property rights, and advance clean energy initiatives in ways that align with community values and long-term sustainability.

    Michigan Energy News

    • Michigan’s public EV charging network continues to expand, with the number of DC fast charging stations increasing 32% since 2024 (WLNS 6 News).
    • Tesla announces plans for heavy-duty truck infrastructure in the metro Detroit area (mLive)
    • The Wexford County planning commission has rejected a proposed solar project. (Michigan Advance)
    • Advantage Renewables, today announced the acquisition of battery energy storage system projects in Michigan from 5 Rivers Energy. (KXLG)
    • Water Utilities in Michigan and other states have been hit by recent cyber attacks. (The Register)
    • Michigan solar development is expected to significantly outpace new wind development through 2030 (Thumbwind)

    National Energy News

    • Does the world need carbon capture and storage to reach net zero? (Carbon Brief)
    • Walmart is rapidly expanding its EV charging network. (Bloomberg)
    • Researchers designed a material that can independently control how it absorbs and emits heat. (LiveScience)
    • Governor Abbott halts all data center building approvals so the state can audit centers already looking to connect to the Texas grid. (Axios)
    • New York takes on the myth that solar is swallowing farmland. (Canary Media)
    • The U.S. Department of Energy is considering revising energy efficiency requirements for distribution transformers. (Utility Dive)

    Events

    • August 25: Renewables Ready Communities Award: Program Overview and Guidance Webinar – Join EGLE for an overview of Michigan’s new $90 million Renewables Ready Communities Award (RRCA), funded through the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. This webinar will introduce local government officials and planners to the potential revenue opportunity for communities involved in permitting utility‑scale renewable energy projects. Register here.
    • September 1: Powering Your Fleet: Maximizing Funding Opportunities to Enable Fleet Electrification – Join Michigan EIBC and Clean Fuels Michigan for a public convening workshop to learn more about funding opportunities available to public and private fleet operators to support fleet electrification. The event will feature industry experts and key state stakeholders to talk about how to stack available funding, coordinate with advisory services, and choose the right vehicles and charging to meet your needs. Register here.
    • October 7: 14th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala — Join Michigan EIBC at the Gem Theatre in Detroit for its signature annual celebration of Michigan’s advanced energy industry. The gala brings together more than 300 business leaders, policymakers, and energy professionals to recognize outstanding achievements in clean energy through awards honoring Business of the Year, Public Official of the Year, Project of the Year, and other industry leaders. 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 Mark Griffin at mark@mieibc.org. Please include in the email a specific end date for the job posting.

    Opportunities

    • *NEW* DTE will be issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for wind and solar projects on August 11, 2026 targeting 800 megawatts to support DTE Electric’s Voluntary Green Pricing (VGP) program. The RFP requires the wind and solar projects to achieve commercial operation by December 31, 2030. Projects must be interconnected to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) in the following states and zones: Michigan (Zone 2 or Zone 7), Arkansas (Zone 8), Illinois (Zone 2, 3, or 4), Iowa (Zone 1 or 3), Minnesota (Zone 1 or 3), Mississippi (Zone 10), Missouri (Zone 5), Texas (Zone 9) and Wisconsin (Zone 1 or 2). Bids are due September 23, 2026, and DTE expects to execute contracts in Q2 2027. Read more.
    • *NEW* The Renewables Ready Communities Award (RRCA) hosted by Michigan’s EGLE is a one-time payment that local governments can receive for hosting and/or permitting eligible large-scale renewable energy projects. Local governments can apply as soon as an eligible energy project is permitted, and award payment is made when construction on the project begins. An eligible project is a grid-connected wind, solar, or energy storage project in Michigan which received a local permit (e.g. a land use permit or site plan approval) after September 30th, 2023. Read more.
    • 2026 Clean Energy Workforce Development Program: EGLE is accepting applications for its 2026 Clean Energy Workforce Development Program, which will award grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to support workforce training, apprenticeships, and career pathways that advance Michigan’s clean energy economy. Eligible nonprofits and small businesses can apply through August 30, 2026 here.
    • 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