Online tool maps clean energy sites, energy efficiency contractors, renewable energy installers and electric vehicle charging stations
LANSING, MI – The national, nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs) today unveiled three interactive clean energy maps that pinpoint clean energy and energy efficiency sites, businesses and areas with high-potential for development across Michigan. The maps highlight significant expansion of Michigan’s clean energy sector throughout the state and its potential for growth.
“E2 created this tool to help policymakers, lawmakers and ratepayers better understand Michigan’s clean energy economy – and the role it plays in communities across Michigan,” said Micaela Preskill, Midwest States Advocate at E2. “The clean energy sector touches every county in Michigan and the new maps illustrate the potential for future renewable projects throughout the state.”
The interactive maps focus on three key parts of Michigan’s thriving clean energy sector:
- Potential for development: Approximately 75 percent of Michigan has potential for either wind, solar, or geothermal development.
- Extensive reach: There are over 1,200 businesses displayed in the map, which includes energy efficiency contractors and renewable energy (solar, wind and geothermal) installers, covering all 38 state Senate districts and all 110 state House districts.
- Planned projects: 32 counties in Michigan already have large-scale renewable energy projects, with many more in the queue waiting to be built.
“Michigan has massive potential to generate renewable energy from wind and solar, and these maps show we have only reached the tip of the iceberg in terms of renewable energy deployment,” said Cory Connolly, Chief Operating Officer at Levin Energy Partners.
The clean energy maps—which can be filtered by city, county, congressional district, and state House and Senate districts—display current and planned utility-scale renewable energy projects. They also identify locations across the state with high potential for renewable energy development, such as wind farms or solar gardens.
“The energy efficiency sector touches many different parts of Michigan’s economy, from building energy efficient lighting and appliances to helping businesses reduce electricity usage and save money on electricity bills,” said Cheri Holman, Executive Director of U.S. Green Building Council West Michigan. “We are excited to be a part of this growing industry and look forward to continued expansion throughout Michigan.”
In addition to renewable energy sites and clean energy businesses, the map charts out public electric vehicle charging stations in Michigan. According to a 2017 Clean Jobs Midwest report, there are more than 28,500 jobs in Michigan’s advanced transportation sector.
The Clean Energy Business Map shows locations of energy efficiency contractors and solar, wind and geothermal installers.
The Renewable Energy Infrastructure Map shows utility-scale wind and solar generation facilities across the state and schools with solar energy generation.
The Renewable Potential Map shows areas of Michigan with high potential for wind, geothermal and solar power generation.
The maps can be accessed on E2’s website at: https://www.e2.org/mapping-clean-energy-michigan/
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To speak with E2 members and business leaders about the growth potential of clean energy in Michigan and across the country, please contact Micaela Preskill at (312) 995-5908.