DOE OSTI2013
By harnessing its abundant supply of conventional hydroelectric power, biomass, and wind, Michigan is well on its way to meeting its goal, set by the 2008 Clean Renewable and Efficient Energy Act, of generating 10% of retail electricity from renewable sources by 2015. Renewable biomass accounted for 39% of renewable energy credits certified in Michigan between 2009 and 2011, thanks in part to Michigan’s 19 million acres of forest land. Small hydroelectric plants, landfill gas, and municipal solid waste are all important sources of renewable electricity in Michigan—together accounting for 34% of renewable energy credits during the same time period. Michigan also has significant undeveloped wind energy potential. Michigan also requires electric providers to develop and fund “energy optimization” programs aimed at reducing electricity consumption. Michigan is one of the few states to count efficiency as an eligible clean energy resource, awarding “energy optimization credits” for successfully reducing energy consumption. Energy optimization credits can be substituted for renewable energy credits. As of December 2009, all utility customers in Michigan are eligible to participate in at least one energy-efficiency program offered through a local utility, and aggregate statewide funding for energy optimization programs has more than tripled from $\$$67 million in 2009 to $\$$208 million in 2011. Michigan is becoming a center for the domestic advanced battery industry. Companies all along the battery supply chain cluster in the state and draw from a talented pool of scientists, engineers, and other skilled workers with decades of experience in the auto industry. Michigan’s geographic position makes the state an attractive site for wind industry manufacturing; 2010 counted 31 wind technology manufacturing facilities in the state.
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗