We’re getting a look at how clean energy is growing in Michigan, the primary sources for that growth and how funders are helping to catalyze the work in their communities.

A new report by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) shows that wind generation remains the top source of renewable energy in Michigan but solar energy is growing.

Data at a glance:

• Wind turbine projects generated 69 percent of renewable power in 2018.

• The state shares that there are 25 utility-scale wind projects in Michigan with four more in the works in Gratiot, Isabella and Tuscola counties.

• Solar installations generated 4 percent of renewable power, up from 3 percent in the previous year.

• Other sources of renewable energy in Michigan include: hydroelectric facilities, biomass, landfill gas and municipal solid waste.

Renewable energy plans and projects have been on the rise in recent years as Michigan is experiencing a major energy transition. Legislation in 2016 mandated that electric providers meet a 12.5 percent renewable energy standard based on retail sales for 2019 and 2020 and reach 15 percent by the end of 2021. The state says all providers have met the energy standard goals to-date.

Through clean energy grants by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, CMF has been working with community foundations interested in engaging their communities in Michigan’s energy transition and optimization.

With the support of the Mott Foundation in the CMF Community Foundations for Clean Energy initiative, the Community Foundation of Marquette County (CFMC) shares that it has “created energy information materials, developed three demonstration sites that illustrate energy efficiency and renewable energy practices, and convened an energy awareness community event.”

CFMC’s work is highlighted in a video that shows this work in action and how they added a demonstration site for solar panels to Range Bank for others in the community to see the usage of solar energy.

As shown in the video, this work has also led to a residential solar installation on a home built in the late 1800s and helped a local resident subscribe to a solar garden.

“It’s been a lot of work but we’re able to use the Mott Foundation grant as a catalyst to initiate clean energy projects and promote these concepts in the community, hoping to be an example,” Maura Davenport, former board chair of CFMC said.

Solar panels are expected to be installed at the community foundation next month.

Michigan Energy Options, which worked in partnership with CFMC on this initiative said in the video it’s just the beginning.

“I would expect to see more renewable energy moving forward in the UP in the Marquette area and then wider throughout the state of Michigan in the coming years, given those declining costs and the greater efficiencies that solar is offering,” Michael Larson, UP operations manager, Michigan Energy Options said.

The M&M Area Community Foundation recently shared its work in the Mott Foundation funded CMF Community Foundations for Clean Energy initiative, showcasing the work of teachers and staff in the K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) who attended the foundation’s clean energy curriculum training.

This work led to 12 schools being engaged, resulting in saving nearly 64,000 gallons of water, reducing CO2 by the equivalent of 15 car trips from New York to Los Angeles, and much more.

Another member of the initiative, Keweenaw Community Foundation is now partnering with Michigan Technological University to train students to assist in energy audits of local buildings. They will summarize results and help track the impact of the improvements made after the audits.

Want more?

Learn more about Clean Energy Grants.

Watch CFMC’s video about their clean energy work.