Michigan State program supports solar and battery storage development, powering 800,000 Michigan households while enhancing local community services.
EGLE’s Renewables Ready Communities Award Funds Second Round of Projects
LANSING, MI—The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced $4.04 million in grants under the Renewables Ready Communities Award (RRCA) program to support the expansion of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects across seven Michigan townships. These projects will provide clean energy to power over 800,000 households and businesses, contributing to the state’s renewable energy goals under the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
“Today’s grants support townships that chose to host these projects, providing them flexible resources to make critical investments in their communities,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “The Renewables Ready Communities Award program is a win, win, win: supporting our communities; lowering energy costs; and protecting our land, air, and water.”
Projects Funded in the Second Round of RRCA Grants
The grants will fund renewable energy initiatives in seven communities, enabling local governments to make critical infrastructure upgrades and improve public services. Projects receiving funding include:
- Steelhead Solar (Marcellus Township, Cass County): $1 million
- Crockery Creek Solar (Moorland Township, Muskegon County): $750,000
- Coldwater River Solar
- Ovid Township, Branch County: $449,000
- Coldwater Township, Branch County: $281,250
- Fish Creek Solar
- Bushnell Township, Montcalm County: $330,000
- Evergreen Township, Montcalm County: $330,000
- Tibbits Energy Storage (Coldwater Township, Branch County): $500,000
- Beecher Solar (Raisin Charter Township, Lenawee County): $400,000
These grants complement the tax revenues and community benefits already provided to local governments hosting renewable energy developments.
Local Leaders Highlight Community Impact
The funding allows communities to invest in projects that improve residents’ quality of life. Examples include road and bridge repairs, fire department upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, and public safety enhancements.
Raisin Charter Township Supervisor Tom Hawkins emphasized the program’s value, stating, “This award will be extremely beneficial to the township for improving road projects, public safety, and other essential services for our residents.”
In Branch County’s Ovid Township, Supervisor Ben Losinski announced plans to use the $449,000 grant to purchase weather alert sirens and a new fire truck. “This grant allows the township to do good things to help out with safety and pay for these projects,” Losinski said.
Renewable Energy Expansion Critical to Climate Goals
The RRCA program plays a central role in Michigan’s effort to achieve 60% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% clean energy by 2040 under recently enacted state laws. To date, the program has provided $7.5 million in funding across 16 townships, supporting renewable energy capacity for 1.5 million households.
Earlier this year, EGLE secured $129.1 million from the federal Inflation Reduction Act’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, which will scale up renewable energy initiatives, develop workforce training, and create pilot programs for siting renewable projects on brownfields.
Ongoing Opportunities for Local Governments
EGLE announced that RRCA funding will remain available on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Townships, counties, and tribal governments hosting renewable projects are encouraged to apply for support. Additional information, including eligibility requirements, is available on EGLE’s Renewables Ready Communities Award web page.
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