A statewide consortium led by the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute in Ann Arbor has received $4.9 million from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to help develop the foundation for energy storage and battery manufacturing in the state.
Through the grant — which grows to $6.3 million with local support — the Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium is part of the Defense Department’s efforts to create rapid transformation from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles and beyond.
The consortium attained a formal designation as a “defense manufacturing community” in an earlier stage of this competitive process, recognizing Michigan’s significance in energy storage and batteries to support the future of electrification as well as the state’s importance to national security. This new award will support a group of universities, technology organizations, industry associations and state agencies.
“It brings together so many great organizations that can have an impact in this space,” says Steve Wilson, executive director of Michigan Economic Growth Institute. “Working with this team, we expect Michigan to not only help the Defense department meet its future electrification goals, but we also expect more thriving defense suppliers in Michigan and more opportunities for energy storage and battery jobs.”
Through a series of technical assistance, technology acceleration, and workforce training initiatives, funds under this grant will be applied to make long-term investments in advanced research and commercialization, critical skills, and supply chain development to strengthen the defense industrial base.
Michigan is a national leader in manufacturing and is in the vanguard of new battery and energy storage technologies. This endeavor is designed to provide the federal government with the essential framework required to realize its goals and harness the combined strength of public and private sector resources.
Consortium members include:
- University of Michigan, Economic Growth Institute
- Michigan Defense Center and Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, Michigan Economic Development Corporation in Lansing
- Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center in Plymouth Township
- MxD Learn in Chicago
- SAE Government Technologies in Troy
- Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield
- Macomb County, Department of Planning & Economic Development in Mount Clemens
- Oakland County, Economic Development & Government Affairs in Waterford Township
- Southeast Michigan Community Alliance in Taylor
- National Advanced Mobility Consortium in Ann Arbor
