DETROIT – Michigan is a clean energy leader in the Upper Midwest footprint of the electric grid operator, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, and wind energy is leading the way.
According to the American Clean Power Association, Michigan has installed 550 megawatts of wind capacity thus far in 2021, the second most in the MISO North footprint after South Dakota with 616 MW installed. Nationwide, Michigan ranks fourth for wind installations and fifth for all clean power installations in 2021.
Wind is the nation’s number one source of new electricity generation and more than 116,700 Americans work in wind. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, wind turbine technician is the fastest-growing career in America. Wind power is growing because wind costs have fallen 70 percent in the last decade, making it one of the most affordable new sources of electricity in most of the country.
Currently, Michigan has 3,426 MW of operational clean power capacity from wind, solar and energy storage plants. Combined, they provide 7.07 percent of Michigan’s electricity. The clean power industry provides 10,300 Michiganders with family-supporting jobs. A 2019 report from the Environmental Law & Policy Center finds 386 businesses supplying the wind and solar industry in Michigan.
The Clean Jobs Midwest report states that a majority of clean energy jobs in Michigan are in manufacturing and construction. More clean power capacity is on the horizon. The ACPA third quarter market report indicates there are 416 megawatts of clean power capacity under construction in Michigan, and another 1,011 MW are in advanced stages of development.
“The clean energy industry is not only providing affordable, reliable power where we live and work, it is also powering good-paying American jobs across all 50 states and driving investment into local communities,” said Clean Grid Alliance Executive Director Beth Soholt. “Wind, solar and storage projects have invested $5 billion into the economy in Michigan, and another $35.2 million in land-lease payments. Within the decade, clean energy will be the primary way we power our lives. Supporting clean energy means supporting the prosperity of Michigan’s communities and economy.”
The renewable energy industry employs 415,000 people nationwide and has invested $335 billion into the U.S. economy since 2005.
