Having approved hundreds of wind turbines and solar arrays, the state of Michigan is looking to bolster its renewable energy offerings by seeking proposals for the creation of an energy storage roadmap for the state.
The challenge is that turbines and solar cells don’t produce consistent power when the air is still or the sun doesn’t shine. Without a robust energy infrastructure consisting of green power complemented by natural gas, nuclear, and hydro-generating facilities, the state, a large energy user given a robust manufacturing sector, could be subject to rolling blackouts (like those now being experienced in California).
To boost energy reserves, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has issued a request for proposals up to $200,000 in matching funding to support the effort. Energy storage allows for the capture of power generated by a source, most commonly from renewable energy sources.
The successful applicant will identify opportunities, policy barriers, and potential. They also will make recommendations to inform investment and policies as well as identify optimal locations for energy storage. The roadmap will aid in achieving adaptable, affordable, reliable energy and environmental protective actions for Michigan’s future.
Stored energy can be added to the electrical grid at times when customer demand is higher than the output of the generating facility. As energy production in the state includes more renewable energy resources, energy storage will play a key role in providing quality, reliable power to homes and businesses.
Planning for an increase in energy storage capacity will be important to the future of grid performance and reliability with the addition of more intermittent energy production to the generation portfolio in the state.
Click here for more information on the purpose, objectives, and program priorities. For more information, contact Jake Wilkinson at WilkinsonJ8@Michigan.gov.
The deadline for submitting proposals is Sept. 14 with Oct. 1 as the anticipated start of the grant period.
Funding for the project is from the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by EGLE’s Energy Services.
