Uncategorized

Disruptive and Radical Energy Ideas Run Rampant at 2015 ARPA-E Summit

The sixth ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy) summit occurred this last week. This annual event in Washington, D.C. showcases a host of disruptive (and at times, radical) energy ideas that will help create future energy technologies. The goal of ARPA-E grant funding is to accelerate changes in the way America generates, uses, and stores energy. Bringing …

Disruptive and Radical Energy Ideas Run Rampant at 2015 ARPA-E Summit Read More »

Can individuals and communities generate Michigan’s electricity in the future?

http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/distributedenergyinMichigan0375.aspx   NINA IGNACZAK | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 Two visions are competing for Michigan’s energy future. In the first, utilities continue, as they have for the past century, to generate power at central facilities and sell it to consumers. In the second, local communities and individuals generate power for themselves. The first vision looks …

Can individuals and communities generate Michigan’s electricity in the future? Read More »

MI Sustainable Winegrowing Trip – Day 2

Sacramento was clouded in fog this morning. Typical to form that fog, which helps makes growing conditions ideal in Sonoma and Napa, receded by the time we arrived in Sonoma. Our meetings today revealed two keys insights; sustainable wine production, whether organic, biodynamic, or sustainable can improve farm practices, and that wineries’ commitment to holistic farming and …

MI Sustainable Winegrowing Trip – Day 2 Read More »

MI Sustainable Winegrowing Trip – Day 1

In our first day of meetings in California, our group was fortunate enough to absorb the perspective of individuals and organizations that have helped shaped sustainable winegrape growing throughout California. It became evident that public private partnerships, research and education, and integration of sustainability into business strategy have played a large role in the success …

MI Sustainable Winegrowing Trip – Day 1 Read More »

Michigan Sustainable Wine Goes Fact Finding

Through a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council (MGWIC) has undertaken the Michigan Sustainable Wine Feasibility study, which is a significant step toward understand the long term social, environmental, and economic vitality of Michigan’s wineries and vineyards. The project will develop a deeper understanding of the wine industry’s relationship …

Michigan Sustainable Wine Goes Fact Finding Read More »

Energy Phase Change:  In One Week – 3 Market Signals that the Clean Energy Transition has Arrived

“Those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” John F. Kennedy If further proof is needed that the global transition to clean energy is underway, one need only to look at the events reported in the last week.  A phase change is underway in how we generate, procure, …

Energy Phase Change:  In One Week – 3 Market Signals that the Clean Energy Transition has Arrived Read More »

Michigan Sustainable Wines: Southwest MI Roundtable

We want to know what you think! February 12th, 9 AM- Southwest Michigan Research and Education Center 5 Lakes Energy will hold a roundtable discussion and presentation on February 12th at 9:00 AM at the Southwest Michigan Research and Education Center. The session will cover initial survey results, ask attendees further questions, and answer questions …

Michigan Sustainable Wines: Southwest MI Roundtable Read More »

Wind Works in Michigan

The wind industry has come a long way in Michigan and in the nation. From the passage of a comprehensive energy statute in 2008 that included Michigan’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, costs have dropped so that wind is now the cheapest generation option, and one of the cheapest additions to the generation fleet even without the federal …

Wind Works in Michigan Read More »

Can We Have a Conversation?

Now is the time to have a serious conversation about the future of Michigan’s energy system. In response to a projected shortfall in reserve capacity that may be as large as three gigawatts, the Michigan Public Service Commissioned has opened a “capacity” docket. Consumers Energy and DTE will be submitting information on February 17, 2015 explaining how they intend to deal with the projected shortfall. Michigan can learn from other states that are focusing on demand management and distributed energy resources as being the most efficient and cost-effective means of balancing supply with demand. They are reforming their energy vision and rethinking their power systems through planning collaboratives that assess emerging energy technologies and services, examine future trends, and bring the best energy expertise to the table.