Combating Climate Change is at the Center of Michigan’s Clean Energy Commitment

While the United States accounts for more than 11% of global CO2 emissions, state and federal governments have passed legislation, developed programs and pursued investments relating to clean energy to reduce carbon emissions. At the center of this industry-shifting transformation is Michigan. As the state that created the automobile as we know it today, it’s once again the epicenter of the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy innovation. 

To lay the groundwork and reinforce the state’s commitment to combating climate change, Michigan has developed a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and clean technology. The MI Healthy Climate Plan, first unveiled in 2022, created a pathway for Michigan to reach 100% carbon neutrality by 2050 by focusing heavily on three areas of impact: energy, transportation and buildings. Since the plan was shared, Michigan has made major strides in its efforts, even moving the goal forward to have these zero-emission standards in place by 2035. In turn, the state is addressing the worst impacts of the climate crisis, creating good-paying jobs and building a healthier and more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for Michigan and the world.

To achieve the goals outlined in the MI Healthy Climate Plan, the state needed to secure projects from companies that shared the same commitment to lower carbon emissions. “With its industrial might and abundant natural resources, Michigan is strategically positioned to lead the fight against the climate crisis,” said Hilary Doe, Chief Growth & Marketing Officer for the State of Michigan. Over the last two years, it’s clear that this approach has paid off. Michigan has caught the attention and investment of innovative startups and both national and global leaders, resulting in a combined total investment of over $20 billion. These transformational projects have helped position the state as a global leader, with the U.S. Department of Energy ranking Michigan as the No. 1 state for energy sector growth. Michigan has also received recognition as a top state for clean energy investments, sustainable development practices and hydrogen energy investments, from Climate Power, Site Selection and Business Facilities, respectively. 

In summer 2024, two clean energy companies that made major investments in Michigan opened their high-tech manufacturing and R&D facilities: LuxWall and UL Solutions. As both companies and consumers evaluate their physical spaces for sustainability, windows will be a top priority, accounting for 25-30% of heat gain and loss. Founded in Ypsilanti, Michigan, LuxWall produces energy-efficient windows for customers across North America and Europe. As part of the company’s broader $165 million growth initiative, LuxWall invested $20 million to build and open the world’s first high-volume vacuum-insulating glass production facility in Litchfield, a city located 60 miles south of Lansing. Sites for a second facility are being evaluated in Detroit, which would triple production capabilities. 

At the core of an electrified future is the need for efficient batteries. A common concern that consumers have shared when it comes to switching to an EV is not knowing if their new car will go the distance – literally. Range anxiety is the fear that an EV won’t have a sufficient charge to complete trips. To address this concern and help automakers build effective EVs, global energy storage leader UL Solutions chose Michigan for its largest expansion yet. The company invested $104 million to build a state-of-the-art Battery Lab in Auburn Hills, a suburb of Detroit. The lab will serve as UL Solutions’ premier testing facility, supporting battery manufacturers as they aim to increase the safety and reliability of energy storage products.

“Michigan is serious about building on our manufacturing and leading the future of cars, chips, and clean energy,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “These announcements of cutting-edge facilities by LuxWall and UL Solutions will grow Michigan’s economy, nurture innovation, reinforce our automotive supply chains, and create hundreds of high-tech, good-paying jobs for Michiganders. We’ll keep working hard to deliver results for workers in Michigan and make our state the best place to invest in a bright future.”

It’s not an exaggeration to say that we’re currently living through the climate crisis, but it’s not too late to take action. As companies and consumers look for meaningful ways to lower their carbon footprint, clean energy companies will be key to effective solutions. Michigan serves as a global hub for industry leaders as they continue to invest in the state. As the fight against climate change wages on, the importance of clean energy companies – and the locations where their businesses can thrive – will only increase.