News of note: The Energy Department today announced the publication of the draft Federal Renewable Energy Guide: Developing Large-Scale Renewable Energy Projects at Federal Facilities Using Private Capital in the Federal Register for industry and agency comment.
This Guide provides a project development framework to help federal agencies, private developers, and financiers coordinate on large-scale renewable energy projects that will help achieve federal renewable energy goals. The Guide underscores the comprehensive efforts by the Energy Department to increase the deployment of clean, renewable energy that diversifies our nation’s energy portfolio and boosts our energy security.
A guest column in MLive this week argued that energy innovation is critical to national security and highlighted Michigan’s role in the advanced energy economy. “Imagine if the U.S. and the U.K. as a whole could do what Michigan has done, and produce renewable energy more cheaply than energy produced from fossil fuels,” write Adm. Neil Morisetti and Gen. Ronald Keys (Ret.) “Imagine how that would free our nations, militarily, economically and diplomatically.”
EIBC member news: On Monday, Dow Corning began research activities at its new solar exploration and development research center in Belgium. The newly completed center, known as SEED, focuses on the development and discovery of new materials and technologies to help advance renewable energy and efficiency.
Dow Kokam broke ground on a new advanced battery manufacturing facility in Midland this week. Vice President Joe Biden attended the groundbreaking event. “New products and manufacturing jobs will secure America as an economic power and provide the path forward that the country needs,” said Biden. The company plans to create about 800 full-time jobs when at full capacity in the years ahead, and about 1,000 construction jobs in the building stage.
Upcoming events:On Wednesday, July 25, at the ThumbWorks! central office at 3270 Wilson Street in Marlette, the Thumb Area Community of Commerce is hosting the region’s first “Business to Business: Pitch & Catch Trade Show.” The event will run from 4 – 7 p.m. and will include several interactive business discussion sessions and a combination area where businesses can display information and conduct discussions about business-to-business contract opportunities. There is no cost to any business participating in this opportunity. More information is available at www.thumbworks.org.
Source: Energy Innovation Business Council