Renewable Energy

The big challenge is that hydrogen likes to bond to other elements — think H2O — so it takes a lot of energy to isolate hydrogen into a usable form. But there may be large deposits of naturally-occurring hydrogen gas in Michigan, according to a new map from the U.S. Geological Survey.

A plan from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to potentially lease more than 400 acres of state land in the Gaylord area for solar development has stirred up a range of responses.

The Michigan Public Service Commission has a new process for renewable energy permit applications, to fit a new law that takes effect in November.

Solar power is the fastest growing source of electricity in the U.S., but some new solar installations are taking over productive farm ground. Scientists are trying to develop ways to get both calories and kilowatts from the same land, but that’s not as easy as it might seem.

The Michigan Public Service Commission has held multiple workgroups with stakeholders as it prepares to begin implementing a new wind and solar permit law in November.

A complaint filed against Our Home, Our Voice alleges the group is raising funds for a ballot initiative seeking to repeal a state renewable energy law without filing required reports with the state.

A common critique of solar calls into question how it generates power during the winter — a season marked by snow cover, cloudy skies and shorter daylight hours. In this seasonal transition, solar operators answer.

Heartland Farms Wind, made up of 72 wind turbines, will power approximately 80,000 households.

Legislation passed in the Michigan Senate Wednesday would give state regulators final say in approving wind and solar projects.

One major highlight of the package is a bill that would require electric companies to generate power using only a “clean energy portfolio” by 2040 -- though the legislation would provide for some “good cause” extensions of that deadline.