MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) – Three communities in Mid-Michigan will receive state funding for hosting renewable energy and energy storage projects.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy announced a seventh round of Renewables Ready Communities Awards. Nine communities will receive a share of $3.87 million, including three in Mid-Michigan: 

• Fairgrove Township in Tuscola County will receive $500,000 for the Tuscola II Energy Storage project. This 100-megawatt battery project is expected to begin construction in April 2027 and start operations in May 2028.
• Mason Township in Arenac County will get $120,035 for the Au Gres Solar project. Construction on the 55-megawatt solar farm is scheduled to begin in July and begin operations in September 2028.
• Midland Township in Midland County is set to receive $750,000 for the Salzburg Battery Storage project. Construction of the 150-megawatt battery storage project is expected to start in June 2027 and begin operating in December 2028.

“These awards demonstrate EGLE’s commitment to partnering with communities to build Michigan’s clean energy future,” said Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Director Phil Roos.

Each community will receive half of their grants up front and the second half after the projects they are hosting begin operations. The state money can be spent on public safety, general government services or infrastructure projects.

Michigan offers the Renewables Ready Communities program as an incentive for communities to approve renewable energy projects in their jurisdictions.

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