New Advanced Energy Business Coalition Strengthens Renewables' Political Voice

Tags: Advanced Energy, Michigan Business, Michigan Jobs, Renewable Energy

On Wednesday, Michigan businesses in the renewable energy sector announced the formation of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (EIBC). The coalition aims to promote and accelerate the growth of Michigan’s energy sector by forming business partnerships, securing access to capital, engaging the public and policy makers, advocating for policy, and advancing energy innovation.

To complement the announcement, the EIBC unveiled a benchmark study to assess the economic impact of Michigan’s blossoming advanced energy manufacturing sector. The study, accessible here, produced some exciting findings:

• Michigan's new energy manufacturing sector supports more than 20,700 jobs a year.
• Michigan's new energy manufacturing sector has an economic impact of $4.9 billion a year.
• If Michigan's market share in the new energy sector increased 25 percent, the industry would support nearly 26,000 jobs a year.

The study suggests that Michigan is in position to become a global leader in advanced energy manufacturing and renewable energy production. If Michigan's proposed increased renewable energy standard passes in November, even more businesses and investors will likely flock to the renewable energy sector.

Strong Potential for Michigan

The authors of the report and members of the coalition share enthusiasm for Michigan's potential in the advanced energy sector:

“With its manufacturing prowess, Michigan has an opportunity to position itself as the region of choice for the advanced energy sector, by leveraging an existing core of manufacturers, a highly-skilled workforce, and strong industrial supply chains,” said Jordan Pallitto, The Hill Group consultant and an author of the EIBC report.

“We can revitalize our manufacturing sector and put people back to work,” said Seth Roberts, director of Energy & Climate Change policy for Dow, a leading manufacturer of innovative clean energy technologies, including advanced photovoltaics. “We see firsthand how Michigan manufacturing expertise, technological innovation and existing infrastructure are bringing investments and business to our state. Companies like Dow and others across Michigan have shown that with the right mix of entrepreneurship and pro-active policies, such as a comprehensive Michigan energy plan, we can deliver competitive advantage. EIBC is a voice for an industry that will be critical to Michigan’s economic future.”

Learn More about EIBC

Is your business interested in joining EIBC? Follow the link for more information about how your business can contribute to the strengthening of the renewable energy sector's political voice in Michigan.

Michiganders know all too well the negative effects of relying solely on one industry to support the state's economic health. The auto industry has recovered significantly, but we now know that it cannot support our state's economy on its own. By embracing the renewable energy sector, Michigan has the opportunity to revitalize its economy and serve as a blueprint for the rest of the nation.

To learn more, check out www.mieibc.org. For updates on renewable energy news and other environmentally-relevant activities in Michigan, follow Michigan LCV on Twitter @MichiganLCV or "Like" us on Facebook.

Posted by Jeff Sorensen, Michigan LCV Intern