March 2024

Michigan’s Nuclear Power Bonanza

State looking boldly into nuclear future

 The old weather expression about March coming in like a lion was certainly true in Michigan on the nuclear energy front. This month a bipartisan package of five bills promoting advanced technology, and the workforce development to support it, were introduced in the State House. See next story for more details.
 
Almost simultaneously, the Michigan Public Service Commission issued the final report on a feasibility study on bringing advanced nuclear technology to Michigan. The Legislature commissioned and funded the study last year, with MICEF being the lone state-based organization to testify in support of the study.
 
To close out the month, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm came to the currently shuttered Palisades nuclear plant to announce a $1.5 billion loan to bring the plant back online. The loan is being matched by state funding, with $150 million put in reserve last year and $150 million more being proposed in this year’s budget. MICEF has been a consistent advocate for that funding.
 
MICEF Executive Director Ed Rivet attended the Palisades announcement and was able to personally thank both Sec. Granholm and Governor Whitmer for their commitment to bringing this critical baseload power back to Michigan’s grid. “The demand for electricity is going to grow and nuclear power is an essential element for meeting that demand while also reducing emissions. We love wind, solar and battery storage, but we cannot get there without the reliable energy nuclear provides,” Rivet said after the announcement.

Bipartisan Pro-nuclear Legislation Launched

Michigan will lead nation with bill passage

 
A group of three liberal and two conservative State representatives announced a five-bill package that will position Michigan to make advanced nuclear technology a core element of our energy portfolio.Rep. Pauline Wendzel (R–Bainbridge Twp) introduced HB 4753to provide tax incentives for developing new generation facilities. Rep. Grahm Filler (R-Clinton County) sponsored HB 5606 that would define advanced nuclear technology and clarify siting requirements in state. Rep. Joey Andrews’ (D–St. Joseph) HB 5607 which would create financial incentives for workers to train for nuclear and hydrogen technology positions and stay in Michigan at least 3 years. HB 5608by Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) creates a competitive grant program to encourage Michigan colleges and universities to develop training programs for advanced nuclear and hydrogen technology jobs. Finally, Rep. Samantha Steckloff‘s (D-Farmington Hills) HB 5609 creates the competitive grant fund to provide the dollars for the program in HB 5608.
 
MICEF applauded the bills introduction, having worked with several of the sponsors to encourage their development. The Nuclear Energy Institute, a national-level trade organization promoting nuclear power, has said that adopting this package would make Michigan a national leader on nuclear development. While some states have one or the other of these policies, Michigan will be the first to put all of them in place.
 
There is no date planned for action on the legislation currently residing in the House Energy Communications & Technology Committee. However, with four of the five bill sponsors serving on that committee, and broad support from both sides of the aisle, MICEF is hopeful a hearing on the package could still happen this spring.

Next Phase of Transmission Build Announced
MISO Tranche 2 to add more grid capacity

The grid operator for Michigan (and another 14 mid-continent states), MISO, announced the second round of projects to expand grid capacity, including expanded lines in Michigan. The need to move electricity from where it is produced to where it is needed continues to evolve. The Tranche 1 announcement was a $10 billion planned investment. Tranche 2 will add $20 billion more in investments, which will produce more well-paying jobs.

The importance of increased transmission has tangible examples, including Michigan's plan to bring more nuclear power online and expanding EV charging capacity. MICEF, through its Land & Liberty Coalition® program, will be increasing its efforts to educate communities where transmissions lines are likely to be built. We have been a consistent voice for strengthening the resiliency of the grid and creating home grown energy in Michigan. Increased transmission capacity will allow us to reach those objectives.

  NEL Hydrogen & GM Receive Big Dollars

What are the real prospects for hydrogen tech

 
Nel Hydrogen US, a subsidiary of the Dutch Nel Hydrogen, is receiving $50 million in federal dollars toward the development of a several hundred million dollar manufacturing plant. The Plymouth, MI facility will employ 400 workers and the State of Michigan is kicking in another $25 million. Nel will produce electrolyzing machines that use water to create hydrogen and oxygen. The captured hydrogen is then used in fuel cells to produce emission-free electricity. Hydrogen technology has tremendous potential, especially for heavy-duty transportation (trucks, locomotives, etc.). But creating, transporting, and storing hydrogen has serious cost and infrastructure challenges. Nel is trying to overcome those challenges with their onsite, affordable production machines.
 
Meanwhile, General Motors will receive $30 million toward its Pontiac, MI fuel cell manufacturing plant. Hydrogen fuel cells could last for decades to create electricity for innumerable energy applications. The circularity of hydrogen technology is a beautiful thing – start with water, separate hydrogen as fuel – say using wind or solar electricity - recombine it with oxygen in a fuel cell to produce electricity and water as a byproduct. Typical early development hurdles and massive investments are the current story, but the dividends for pursuing this path have extraordinary promise.

Eliminating Emissions Not People

Having children is not an existential threat

 
Quite by intention, MICEF rarely wades into the waters of the “climate change" debate. The two words “climate change” have simply become too polarizing. All the same, we are concerned about the increasing “climate anxiety” people claim to experience, especially children. Likewise, messages that having children would be irresponsible, or even immoral, from a climate perspective are deeply disturbing. We believe it is incumbent upon all who advocate for climate change action to reflect on the tremendous potential to curb emissions that is coming from innovation and entrepreneurialism. Fear-mongering must be replaced with hopeful optimism because new technologies are already turning the tide on emissions.
 
Recently, a climate activist who previously thought she should not have children penned an editorial in Bloomberg highlighting that a child born in a place that has low-emission policies will contribute no meaningful harm to the planet. Exactly! People are not the “problem” and never have been. Every month this newsletter highlights new technologies that could not only cut emissions, but improve affordability, efficiency and sustainability. We shall stay focused on positive solutions. 

MICEF Seeking 8th Pischea Fellowship Class

Growing Tradition Offers Scholars a Great OpportuNITY

With the 2023-24 academic year underway, MICEF is seeking applicants for its 8th Class of Pischea Fellows. We typically select two or three fellows per class, based on the nature of their proposals and evolving energy trends. The goal is for their work to inform and advance energy policy consistent with our conservative principles.

Interested collegiate juniors, seniors, or graduate students are encouraged to review our program and apply online on our Pischea Fellowship webpage  www.micef.org/pischeafellowship or contact MICEF Program Director Emily Szczerowski at epallarito@micef.org.