DETROIT – In a new report, more than 3,000 companies in Michigan and Northeast Ohio have been identified as stakeholders in what’s described as an energy efficiency value chain that will tap the rapidly growing market for clean energy technology to meet a growing U.S. economy, greater electricity demands and a need to reduce emissions.
The Clean Energy Roadmap also contends both markets face similar challenges and each have unique strengths that can be leveraged to set the framework for success for regional economic growth in energy efficiency.
The Roadmap offers a detailed understanding of the current clean energy ecosystem and its assets, as well as current barriers, opportunities, and solutions to capitalize on opportunities moving forward.
It was developed by a group of agencies from Michigan and Northeast Ohio collaborated to develop the roadmap – what was described by NextEnergy CEO Jean Redfield as a plan for accelerating the region’s clean energy industry and capitalize on the growth trends.
“It’s the culmination of three years of in-depth study to understand the current state of manufacturing,” Redfield said in an interview with MITechNews.Com Editor Mike Brennan.
Redfield said the report supports the view that there is a tremendous business opportunity for manufacturers and builders to use energy efficiency. The value of energy efficiency also is improving the competitiveness of manufacturers, she said.
“The reality of energy efficiency potential for the Midwest is real,” she said. “We have a real need for increased R&D support so new technologies can be adopted more readily by manufacturers.”
Redfield said the report does not identify how many people are employed by the 3000 companies identified, nor does it provide a total revenue figure.
In May, the Department of Energy provided NextEnergy with funding to spur the adoption of advanced lighting control solutions in small and medium commercial buildings. The group will train 100 contractors in simplified installation methods, develop a model for streamlined utility incentives, and educate consumers.
Redfield said the DOE program pays for training and outreach, plus promotion to encourage building owners to adopt energy efficient technology.
“Energy efficiency is less a line of business, but more how we do business in the future,” Redfield said.
To read the report, click on https://www.nextenergy.org/cleanenergyroadmap/
