Report: More than 200 firms in state wind, solar industries
A report to be released Tuesday finds that there are nearly 200 businesses — including about 50 in Southeast Michigan — and 10,000 jobs in the solar and wind industries in Michigan, according to research developed by Chicago-based Environmental Law & Policy Center.
The companies range from automobile manufacturers retooling to build clean energy components to startup companies that are developing energy technologies.
The preliminary report found 121 solar power supply chain businesses with 6,300 jobs and 120 wind power supply chain businesses with 4,000 jobs. More than 50 of the companies supply both industries.
A similar report earlier this month found 150 companies operating in Ohio.
The environmental policy center did not release names of the Michigan companies in its preliminary report.
Other findings included:
• Michigan businesses spent more than $15 billion last year on research and development, more than any state as a percent of gross state product.
• Michigan also ranks fourth in the country for engineering graduates with 4,000 degrees granted annually.
More than 25 companies in Michigan have been identified as manufacturers and component makers for wind farms and another 900 companies provide design, engineering, machining, automation or assembly services, said the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
For more information on the report, visit www.elpc.org/michiganenergy.