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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 Court of Appeals Denies Injunction, Approves Trade Organization Intervention
On Tuesday, the Michigan Court of Appeals denied a request from 76 townships and counties to halt implementation of the statewide siting process at the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) pending the appeal from the same local governments. As a result, while the case works its way through the court process, the MPSC will continue to implement the new process to provide large solar, wind and storage projects with an alternative land-use approval pathway.
In the same Order, the Court of Appeals also formally granted intervention in the case to Michigan EIBC, the Institute for Energy Innovation, Advanced Energy United, and Clean Grid Alliance. The trade organizations had argued against the requested injunction in the case in a December filing and will now be allowed to provide arguments on the merits of the townships’ claims. Michigan EIBC has strongly supported the law that the MPSC is working to implement with this siting process because of its potential to create a streamlined path forward for large projects.
Round 2 of Michigan CFI Grants Announced
Michigan EIBC joined more than 235 other trade organizations and businesses in a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation on November 13, 2024 urging the release of the second round of funding from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program. Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Energy, Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration did just that, announcing $635 million in funding awards from the CFI Program. Round 2 of CFI grant funds were awarded to 49 projects that will deploy more than 11,500 EV charging ports along corridors and in communities across the United States.
Among the Round 2 awardees are the City of Detroit and the City of Grand Rapids, resulting in more than $16.5 million to the State of Michigan. The $15.2 million awarded to the City of Detroit will support the Detroit Charge Ahead: Clean Commute project, which will support the installation of 110 publicly accessible EV charging ports at sites within and around the city. The City of Grand Rapids received nearly $1.5 million to support the Grand Rapids Equitable Electrification and Carshare (GREEN+) Program. These funds will bring the installation of 32 EV charging ports throughout the community, which will complement the city’s existing EV charging efforts and its all electric carshare program, Mobile GR.
EVs accounted for over 8% of total vehicle sales in 2024. With increased sales comes increased demand for publicly accessible EV charging. Funding opportunities like the CFI Discretionary Grant Program are instrumental in helping communities across the country meet this increased demand and facilitating a smoother transition to transportation electrification.
New Members
Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minn., whose mission is to advance renewable energy in the Midwest. CGA has been an active stakeholder in the MISO process at the state and regional levels and a leading organization working on transforming state energy policy. CGA’s membership includes industry representatives working in wind, solar, and storage as well as environmental nonprofit organizations, public interest groups, clean energy advocates, farm groups, and businesses providing goods and services to the clean energy industry who come together to reduce carbon and deliver a clean energy future. Learn more at cleangridalliance.org.
Spearmint Energy (“Spearmint” or the “Company”) is a leading energy company focused on developing, owning, operating, and optimizing around battery energy storage systems (“BESS”) to reduce grid volatility and increase system resiliency and is also guided by strong values rooted in people, planet, and partnerships.
Spearmint currently operates a 150MW/300 MWh BESS project in West Texas, and has more than 20 projects, totaling over 13GWh of capacity, under development in 10 states across 5 U.S. regions. Headquartered in Miami, with an additional office in Minneapolis, the Company employs over 60 professionals.
Renewing Members
We are the leading federation of renewable energy companies expediting the advancement of clean energy as the dominant power source in America. The American Clean Power Association enables the transformation of the U.S. power grid to a low-cost, reliable and renewable power system. By uniting the power of wind, solar, transmission and storage companies and their allied industries, both public and private, we are championing policies that enable the continued and aggressive growth in renewable energy in the United States.
Apex Clean Energy is an independent renewable energy company focused on developing utility-scale generation and energy storage facilities. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, Apex has commercialized thousands of megawatts of clean energy and has built one of the nation’s largest, most diversified portfolios of renewable energy resources. The company is currently exploring the feasibility of constructing more than 1.2 GW of renewable energy projects in Michigan.
CPower is a leading demand-side energy management solutions provider that helps commercial, industrial, educational, healthcare, and government organizations save on energy costs, earn revenue through energy curtailment, enhance their sustainability efforts, and contribute to a balanced, reliable grid through DER optimization. We serve more than 2,400 customers at over 17,000 sites and manage more than 6.3 gigawatts of electrical load across North America’s energy markets and utilities. CPower is owned by LS Power, a leading development, investment, and operating company focused on the power and energy infrastructure sector.
Cypress Creek is an integrated solar and storage company. We develop and own solar and storage projects, both utility-scale and community-scale. We offer Operations & Maintenance Services for owned and assets.
Since 2007, Foresight has existed to champion energy management, accelerate sustainability and increase profitability for our clients. We serve commercial, industrial and institutional organizations across North America and the globe. Our interdisciplinary team of energy engineers, sustainability experts, data analysts, software engineers, procurement professionals and project managers work together to provide holistic, proactive and strategic solutions for our growing client base. Service areas include but are not limited to; utility bill collection, reporting and optimization, energy procurement consulting, facility energy audits, renewable energy feasibility studies, carbon emission calculations and reporting, energy modeling, commissioning and retro-commissioning.
Form Energy is developing, manufacturing, and commercializing a new class of cost-effective, multi-day energy storage systems that will enable a reliable and fully renewable electric grid year-round.
Invenergy is a leading, privately-held developer and operator of sustainable energy solutions. A U.S.-based company, Invenergy invests $573 million annually in the home communities where its projects are located. Invenergy has successfully developed more than 200 projects, including wind, solar, transmission infrastructure, green hydrogen, natural gas power generation and advanced energy storage projects. In Michigan, Invenergy has completed development of nine sustainable energy projects, six of which are now operating, that amounts to generation capacity totally 1,400 MW. In addition to two Invenergy-owned and operated sites, Invenergy Services provides operation and maintenance expertise at nine renewable energy projects owned by a third party. The company invests more than $14.4 million annually in local taxes, land costs and lease payments, and project-generated wages and benefits and is pursuing additional opportunities in the state.
Key Capture Energy is an industry leading developer, owner and operator of large-scale battery energy storage solutions which make the renewable energy transition possible and enable a stable and reliable electric grid.
Mackinaw Power is developing new renewable energy projects to provide power for the Great Lakes at competitive prices. Mackinaw Power also uses its experience within the wind industry to work with a variety of companies in Michigan to increase the supply chain for renewable energy technologies in the Midwest. In 2003, Mackinaw Power acquired the assets of Bay Windpower, which developed the Great Lakes’ first privately developed wind power project. Mackinaw Power plans to be a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, environmental stewardship, and energy security. We are working to build sustainable communities to provide clean, affordable wind power by harvesting the area’s wind resources. Mackinaw Power is investing in Michigan’s future generations. We look forward to working with you to create renewable power that protects our Great Lakes, public health, and farm land.
John Peracchio provides strategic consulting services in the intelligent transportation systems (“ITS”) sector and automotive industry for strategic and investor clients. His focus is on deployment of mobility solutions across transportation modes, especially those involving connected and highly automated vehicles as well as innovation in transaction management and payments processing. From February 2017 to April 2020, Mr. Peracchio served as chair of the Michigan Council on Future Mobility having been appointed by Michigan’s governor. The council, within the Michigan Department of Transportation, provided policy recommendations to promote the development of technologies for autonomous, automated, and connected vehicles, and to enhance personal mobility. Currently, Mr. Peracchio serves as a senior advisor to the succeeding Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification.
Ranger Power
Ranger Power is a solar energy development company. Led by an experienced team, the company is committed to working closely with landowners to bring new investment and clean energy to their communities.
Renewable Energy Systems (res)
RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company. At the forefront of the industry for over 40 years, RES has delivered more than 23GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and supports an operational asset portfolio exceeding 10GW worldwide for a large client base. RES employs more than 2,500 people and is active in 11 countries working across onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage and transmission and distribution.
Rivenoak Consulting, Inc. is a firm that services the areas of Policy Advocacy; Energy Advocacy; Expert Testimony & Research and Analysis.
Roncelli has been a Michigan-based general contractor since 1966. We have catered to a variety of energy focused projects for the past 20 years. Our offering of energy EPC services began in 2022. The EPC services offered include utility scale solar and energy storage projects.
RWE Clean Energy is one of the largest renewable energy companies in the United States and is proud to develop, build, and operate clean, affordable renewable energy projects across the country. With over 9GW of renewables under operation and over 2,000 employees in America, RWE Clean Energy is committed to building the future with our energy for a sustainable life.
SunVest is a developer of commercial/industrial and community solar projects.
As one of Michigan’s largest law firms, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. With 230+ experienced attorneys practicing law in 40+ specialty areas from nine offices and virtually, we have what it takes to support you – no matter what issues you face. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
Windemuller provides advanced technical and design services throughout Michigan and beyond. The company was established in 1954 as an electrical contractor and has since expanded into automation, communications and IT, electrical services, outdoor utilities, and renewable energy. Within those categories, we have worked on projects relating to Healthcare, Data Centers, Oil and Gas, Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Agricultural, and Public Works. From sophisticated security systems for the government, to controls and automated processes for environmental cleanups or responding to emergencies on an industrial site, Windemuller is responsive and innovative. We offer a 24 hour service department that’s available 365 days a year. With Branch offices located in Southern, Mid and Northern Michigan, Windemuller also has satellite offices in Big Rapids, Kalamazoo, Petoskey and Whitehall. Visit our Locations web page for more information. At its heart, Windemuller is about our people and the people we serve. We are more than 200 individuals strong and serve thousands of customers of all sizes within industrial, government, municipal, and commercial entities.
Zausmer, P.C.
Zausmer is one of the premiere infrastructure development firms in Michigan and delivers outstanding results using a creative and pragmatic approach. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys has extensive experience representing high voltage transmission companies, pipeline companies and wind/solar companies facing complex legal matters related to siting, land acquisition, energy infrastructure entitlements, and permitting. We’ve worked with companies in the solar, wind, hydro to biomass, biofuels, and geothermal spaces, advising them on real estate development and construction, financing, tax-equity, purchase and sale, and regulatory and policy issues.
Michigan Energy News
- Coldwater Township gets a $500,000 Renewable Ready Communities Award for the Tibbits Energy Storage project.
- Canada could easily reduce energy flows to Michigan in response to any tariffs from President Trump, experts say.
- MPSC Chair Dan Scripps talks to WXPR about the shift away from coal power in Michigan.
- The Michigan Court of Appeals is hearing arguments regarding the Line 5 tunnel project.
National Energy News
- Tariffs could cause U.S. prices for 5-MWh lithium-ion battery systems made in China to rise by 8% from 2023 to 2028, according to Clean Energy Associates.
- A Utility Dive deep dive into C-PACE financing notes the tool’s growth around the country.
- In rural Minnesota, counties and renewable energy developers are working together and avoiding conflict over proposed projects.
- GM and other automakers report record-breaking U.S. market sales in 2024, bolstered greatly by increased demand for electric vehicles.
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
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
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. Tickets will be available soon.
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 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 Solar Energy Industries Association invites you to join a business-centered letter to Congress to support existing energy tax credits and to oppose efforts to weaken or repeal them. The deadline for this letter has been extended to Jan. 22. Read the letter here and sign on to it here.
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.
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.