NextEnergy is in the business of alternative energy -- and they know how to sell it to a broad constituency. Environmental concerns are key, of course, but the organization cannily makes the case for homeland security as well, thus broadening support for its efforts.
Case in point: a $3.6 million grant from the Defense Logistics Agency within the U.S. Department of Defense. With this funding, NextEnergy will further the development of the Advanced Mobile Microgrid.
And what, pray tell, is an Advance Mobile Mocrogrid?
It's a mobile hybrid power source that can convert energy from a multitude of sources -- biofuels, vehicle batteries, solar energy -- to consistent, steady power within 48 hours of deployment.
A more efficient source means less dependence on fuel and less need for infrastructure. The Microgrid has not only military applications but disaster relief ones as well.
"This program is another example of NextEnergy’s strength in driving innovation, diversification and revenue growth among our key technology development stakeholders," Jim Croce, President and CEO of NextEnergy, said in a statement. "The advanced electric power solution developed for the DoD and enabled through NextEnergy’s federal procurement and program management expertise involves extensive collaboration by numerous Michigan based companies, including both entrepreneurial startups and traditional industrial suppliers."
Some local companies involved include Myron Zucker, Inc. of Sterling Heights, Southwest Research Institute in Ann Arbor, NOVI Energy in Novi, Northern Electrical Testing in Troy and Detroit's Titan Energy Development and Nextek Power.
NextEnergy credits the collaborative efforts of United States Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, and U.S. Reps. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, John Conyers, Candice Miller and John Dingell with bringing the dollars into Michigan.
Source: Mark Beyer, NextEnergyWriter: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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