Michigan's leaders have been touting the need to support clean energy projects for some time now, and progress has definitely been made in that market. The newest addition to clean energy projects was announced last week by the
Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which unveiled plans for two new projects approved under the Centers of Energy Excellence program. The programs brings companies, academic institutions, national labs and the state together to support cutting-edge research and development of clean energy technology.
"These projects represent an expansion into regional cooperation, with Michigan leading the way in fostering private-public partnerships that leverage our strengths in manufacturing infrastructure, research and development and a highly skilled workforce," Michigan Economic Development Corporation president Greg Main says.
On of the sites approved is based in Mid Michigan with a cooperative venture between
Dow Corning and
Hemlock Semiconductor in collaboration with
Oak Ridge National Lab. The project, which received $6 million in Centers of Energy Excellence funding, will establish a Solar Valley Research Enterprise in the Midland area. The center will coordinate a regional cluster of private-sector companies, academic institutions and government labs to speed innovation and commercialization in clean energy technology.
The University of Michigan's Energy Frontiers Research Center will contribute photovoltaic research, Saginaw Valley State will furnish testing facilities and Delta College will provide worker training. The University of Toledo and Georgia Institute of Technology will also contribute research.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Greg Main, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
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