Academy Renewable Energy Academy (REA), a series of free workshops in select regions across Michigan

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is thrilled to announce we will be hosting the Renewable Energy Academy (REA), a series of free workshops in select regions across Michigan providing local officials, zoning administrators, planning commissioners, planning staff, etc., with information to proactively prepare for the new siting landscape required under Public Act (PA) 233. Timing is important, as PA 233 becomes effective on November 29, 2024.

The REA will provide attendees with a five-hour long deep-dive into local planning and zoning for large, utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage systems. The academy will cover the basics of grid-connection, as well as specific zoning pathways communities can consider under PA 233. The academy will not focus on policy. It will provide neutral guidance and an opportunity to discuss zoning options that best reflect each community's interest in expanding access to renewable energy with EGLE staff.

REA Agenda

Each REA runs from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and is immediately followed by an optional "office hour" session with EGLE staff. Lunch is complimentary and REA topics that will be covered include:

• Basics of renewable energy.
• Planning and zoning for renewable energy technologies.
• PA 233, zoning pathways and "workability” options.
• Guided activities.
• Guest speaker insights from the University of Michigan, Center for EmPowering Communities,
• Question and answers throughout

Register Now for Upcoming REA Sessions

• September 5, 2024
  Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) Region
  Hilton Garden Inn, Great Lakes Ballroom, 27355 Cabaret Drive, Novi, Michigan
  Maximum of 3 attendees per community are allowed. One representative per municipality shall register all planned attendees through one form.

• October 8, 2024
  West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) Region
  Muskegon Community College, 221 Quarterline Rd., Muskegon, Michigan Maximum of 4 attendees per community are allowed. One representative per municipality shall register all planned attendees through one form.
• October 28. 2024
  Southcentral Michigan Planning Council (SMPC) Region
  Delta Hotels by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center, 2747 South 11th St., Kalamazoo, Michigan Maximum of 4 attendees per community are allowed. One representative per municipality shall register all planned attendees through one form.

The Region II Planning Commission REA session is still being scheduled. Please check the REA Webpage for updates on registration options for that session.

Learn More

Anyone interested in the REA or this topic is encouraged to view the following recorded webinars:

• Navigating the New Renewable Energy Siting Legislation: Insights for Local Governments (58 minutes)
  In November 2023, the Michigan legislature passed the Clean Energy Future Package and the Clean Energy and Jobs Act, which included legislation that drastically alters the landscape of siting renewable energy projects in the state. Local governments, from cities to villages to townships to counties, play a key role in siting renewable energy and are now faced with understanding and adapting to this new landscape. How can your community prepare for these changes and approach challenges? Attend this webinar to learn about planning and zoning for utility-scale renewable energy in the context of the new siting process.

• Michigan’s $129.1M Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Award: Creating the Renewables Ready Communities Program (59 minutes)
  Deploying renewable energy at scale is critical to meeting the state’s climate and energy goals, and siting is arguably the most important barrier we face to build more solar, wind, and so much more across Michigan. The purpose of this webinar is to provide an overview of Michigan’s recently awarded $129.1 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

View the REA Website to learn more about the PA 233 and find additional sources. Check out the Renewables Ready Communities Award Webpage to find funding options for expanding large, utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage systems in Michigan.

Program/Academy Questions:

Zona Martin, MartinZ2@Michigan.govor 517-930-4697
Yingxin Wang, WangY3@Michigan.gov or 517-614-5533
Ian O'Leary, OLearyI@Michigan.gov or 517-930-4611

Registration Questions:
Alana Berthold: BertholdA@Michigan.gov
Joel Roseberry: RoseberryJ@Michigan.gov