Targeted Initiatives

Alternative Energy

In Michigan, green is the new gold. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is leading the charge in the development of new markets for alternative energy in Michigan and beyond. We are aligning scientists, universities, policy makers, industry players, the natural resource management community and our engineering talent around the goal of creating the next generation of power provision for businesses, consumers and vehicles. 

The MEDC is also looking at creative incentive packages custom tailored to create the right environment and bring together the right players to advance the way the world is powered.  

Michigan is focusing on the development of state and nationwide markets for such alternatives as:

• Cellulosic biofuel
• Wind generation
• Advanced batteries
• Solar cells

Whether you are a manufacturer looking to diversify your base of production or a company with a current or potential patent on the next iteration of alternative energy technology, Michigan is ready to give you the Upper Hand.

Take a look below at some of the resources, partners in market development and university research prowess the state is offering in its power play. Also, take a look at how the 21st Century Jobs Fund program is building capacity in Michigan's Alternative Energy market space.    

Resources & Partners

Michigan has a vast array of resources and partners to encourage alternative energy R&D and manufacturing, including the following:

• NextEnergy is a non-profit corporation founded to enable the commercialization of energy technologies that positively contribute to economic competitiveness, energy security and the environment. 

Alternative Energy companies in Michigan may be eligible for tax breaks. To be eligible, a company must first be certified as "Alternative Energy." See the criteria and information below, available in Adobe .pdf format:

• • Michigan NextEnergy Authority Fact Sheet
  • Michigan NextEnergy Authority Certification Information
  • Alternative Energy Guidebook
    

• The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC) is a fully integrated demonstration facility for distributed generation of electricity using alternative and renewable energy technologies.

• 12 SmartZones^SM and 7 Business Accelerators to stimulate the growth of technology-based businesses and jobs by creating recognized clusters of technology enterprises and research institutions throughout the state.
• The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Command (TARDEC) and its National Automotive Center (NAC) support research on alternative energy technologies for Department of Defense and commercial applications.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) develops national regulatory programs to reduce mobile source related air pollution, evaluates emission control technology, tests vehicles, engines, and fuels and determines compliance with federal emissions and fuel economy standards.
• The University Research Corridor is an alliance of Michigan’s three leading research institutions: Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
• The DTE Energy Hydrogen Technology Park is a hydrogen energy demonstration project designed to provide critical insight into the role of hydrogen in our nation's energy system and is a working prototype that demonstrates the generation of hydrogen to storage, distribution and conversion to energy.
• The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (sbTdc) provides services to assist technology companies, including those in the areas of IP protection, financing, planning and commercialization strategies.

University Centers

• Michigan Technological University's Advanced Power Systems Research Center is a multidisciplinary organization that fosters collaborative research efforts in the areas of clean, efficient and sustainable Power Systems technologies.

Michigan State University

• The Biomass Conversion Research Laboratory develops cost effective and environmentally attractive means of generating fuels, chemicals, materials, foods and feeds from renewable plant biomass.
• The Automotive Research Experiment Station conducts automotive research in areas that include powertrain technology, electronic control strategies, fluid mechanics, thermoelectric materials and small engine emissions.
• The Center for Plant Products and Technologies conducts research on renewable plant materials, including the study, manipulation and utilization of plants and plant products.

University of Michigan

• The Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute (MMPEI) is charting a path to a clean, secure and affordable energy future by developing and coordinating energy research and education in the physical and social sciences at the University of Michigan.
• The Transportation Energy Center (TEC), part of the University of Michigan College of Engineering, is engaged in fundamental and applied research in the areas of advanced energy conversion and storage technologies.
• The Automotive Research Center (ARC) is a University-based U.S. Army Center of Excellence for advancing technology of high fidelity simulation of military and civilian ground vehicles. Research areas include vehicle dynamics, simulation, high performance structures and materials, advanced and hybrid powertrains and vehicle systems integration.
• The Hydrogen Energy Technology Laboratory (HETL) conducts research on hydrogen production and fuel cells.

Kettering University

• The Center for Fuel Cell Systems and Powertrain Integration accelerates the development and commercialization of fuel cells for stationary and mobile applications by providing world-class fuel cell engineering education and technological leadership in R&D, testing and evaluation.

Lawrence Tech University

• The College of Engineering Alternative Energy promotes alternative and renewable energy technologies.

Wayne State University

• The Center for Automotive Research conducts research on combustion, performance, fuel economy, emission controls, friction and wear and simulation of automotive engines.

Michigan Technological University

• The Power and Energy Research Center, operating within the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, conducts research to advance the development of new energy technologies, the power industry and the role of the power engineer.
• The Sustainable Futures Institute conducts sustainability initiatives related to water, air, and energy, industrial ecology, environmentally conscious manufacturing, green engineering, public policy, the built environment and sustainable development.

Other Online References

• DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Information for Michigan
• Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) for Michigan
• Michigan Ethanol (E85) Fueling Stations
• Michigan Natural Gas Public Fueling Stations
• Michigan Biodiesel Fueling Stations
• Michigan Hydrogen Fueling Stations
• Michigan Wind Maps

Next Steps

If you are ready to get connected to Michigan's alternative energy grid, contact our Customer Assistance Center.