LANSING, Michigan — In a significant move towards bolstering renewable energy infrastructure, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has unveiled the latest recipients of the Renewables Ready Communities Awards (RRCA). This initiative is aimed at advancing solar power and battery storage projects capable of generating clean energy for over 847,000 homes and businesses across Michigan.
EGLE Director Phil Roos remarked, “Through these awards, EGLE is pleased to support communities that are working toward Michigan’s healthy, sustainable, clean energy future.” Underlining the goal of the RRCA program, Roos added that it helps local governments make strategic investments in public safety and community services.
The RRCA provides flexible funding options to local governments for community projects like infrastructure repairs, public safety improvements, park upgrades, and building enhancements. These awards are designed to encourage the hosting of large-scale renewable energy initiatives by supplementing tax revenues and enhancing community benefits.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s fiscal year 2024 budget allocated $30 million to kickstart the RRCA, with an additional $129.1 million pending legislative approval. These funds, once authorized, will support the expansion of RRCA, pilot projects on brownfields, and the development of a renewable energy workforce, all aligning with Michigan’s goal of achieving 60% renewable energy by 2035.
To date, EGLE has allocated over $24.2 million from the initial $30 million to 35 municipalities across Michigan’s two peninsulas, facilitating solar and storage projects with the capacity to supply energy to more than 5 million homes.
The Newest Awards
This latest round of awards, totaling $3.67 million, is distributed among six local governments, each supporting distinct renewable projects:
- $1.67 million to Colfax Township in Huron County for the Century Oaks Storage battery project ($1 million) and the Huron County Silver Creek Solar project ($670,000).
- $748,500 to Sands Township in Marquette County for the Superior Solar project.
- $675,000 to Fayette Township in Hillsdale County for the Heartwood Solar project.
- $297,500 to Johnstown Township in Barry County for the Spring Creek Solar project.
- $245,000 to Quincy Township in Branch County for the Cold Creek Solar project.
- $35,000 to Butler Township in Branch County for the Cold Creek Solar project.
Award disbursement is divided, with half given at the start of project construction and the remainder upon operation commencement, anticipated mostly by 2026.
Sands Township plans to leverage its award for improvements at Strawberry Lake Park, a new nature trail, and renovations to its office complex to include a community gathering space. Township Supervisor Darlene Walch expressed, “Sands Township is honored to receive a Renewables Ready Community Award in recognition of our support for the Superior Solar Project.”
In Quincy Township, the RRCA funds will be used to construct a new building at the township cemetery. Supervisor Kurt Barve stated, “Quincy Township is honored to have received the Renewables Ready Communities Award from EGLE. These funds will make a major improvement for our cemetery operations.”
Previous rounds of the RRCA were announced in October 2024, December 2024, January 2025, and April 2025. In one notable example, Lee Township in Calhoun County was awarded over $4 million for the Sunfish Solar 1 and 2 projects, with funds earmarked for road enhancements during construction.
“The funding being made available through the RRCA program is essential in order for rural communities like Lee Township to properly support large-scale renewable energy developments,” noted Jen Bomba, Calhoun County’s community development director.
An interactive map on the RRCA webpage provides details on Michigan municipalities eligible for the RRCA, including project specifics and funding usage.
The RRCA plays a crucial role in Michigan’s strategy to meet its MI Healthy Climate Plan objectives by supporting the deployment of clean energy technologies. This is in accordance with Michigan’s 2023 clean energy laws, which set ambitious targets for renewable energy and energy storage capacities.
Ongoing Funding Opportunity
For more details on eligibility and funding, visit EGLE’s RRCA web page.
Original Story at www.michigan.gov