Michigan’s Clean Energy Leadership Showcased on Global Stage

Today, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) unveiled ‘Michigan’s Roadmap to a Sustainable World,’ a short film on the state’s leadership and initiatives in clean energy and sustainability, premiering at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting and live on CBS News.

Michigan is a key player in the global fight against climate change due to its combination of industrial prowess, R&D-friendly environment and commitment to sustainability through ambitious statewide targets. The film highlights these strengths by the Great Lakes State, including partnerships with cutting-edge companies that have chosen to invest in Michigan due to shared sustainability goals such as Australian-based company Fortescue Zero and innovation accelerator Orange Sparkle Ball.

“We must ensure we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable planet for future generations not just here in Michigan, but around the globe,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. in the film. “Michigan is leading in sustainability through business and policy, which is creating more opportunities for investment, job creation and cleaner communities for our citizens.”

Michigan’s Climate Leadership

In April 2022, Michigan introduced the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which lays out a pathway for the state to reach 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. Cory Connolly, Chief Climate Officer for the State of Michigan, speaks to the plan’s goal to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis, create good-paying jobs and build a healthier, more prosperous, equitable and sustainable state for all Michiganders.

Michigan leads the nation in clean energy funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), is No. 1 in the nation for hydrogen investment and is a top state for CHIPS Act funding in clean technologies such as semiconductors.

The state was recently recognized with a Business Facilities 2024 Impact Award in the Clean Energy Manufacturing category for  Corning’s $900 million investment to construct a new manufacturing facility for solar components in Saginaw County.

Meanwhile, in September 2024, the MEDC worked in conjunction with MIT Technology Review Insights on a national survey and report to show how senior U.S. executives are planning for climate change, underscoring the importance of climate-planning programs and access to natural resources as a top criterion when making relocation decisions.

Investing in Clean Energy Talent

As the clean energy sector grows in Michigan, so too must the talent pipeline. Throughout the film, Hilary Doe, Michigan’s Chief Growth and Marketing Officer with the MEDC, highlights Michigan’s robust STEAM talent pool, along with efforts to attract leading minds who want to do purpose-driven work. This includes a robust recruiting effort of talent from, within and outside the state, as well as the establishment of reskilling and upskilling programs for professionals to transition their skills from adjacent industries, such as automotive to clean energy. This also includes working with higher education institutions to create new college programs aligned with evolving industry needs.

E2’s 2024 Clean Jobs America Report , based on an analysis of the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2024 Energy and Employment Report (USEER), shows Michigan leading the race for clean energy jobs. According to the report, Michigan is home to 127,690 clean energy jobs, outpacing 44 states’ job numbers, with clean energy jobs continuing to grow nearly twice as fast as economy-wide employment. The 2024 EER report also highlighted Michigan’s position as a leader in overall energy sector job growth, behind only Texas and California.

Learn more about how Michigan is a national leader in clean energy investments and initiatives.

Watch Now: Michigan’s Roadmap to a Sustainable World

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