Energy to tackle climate change and power Michigan’s economic growth
Source: Detroit Free Press
Date: Sept. 24, 2023
Access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy is critical to power the vast array of manufacturing and small businesses that make up Michigan’s economy. It’s important to keep this in mind as the state accelerates progress on Michigan’s Healthy Climate Plan—the state’s road map that aims to both address climate change and propel economic prosperity in Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes region.
Michigan: Where quality of life, sustainable energy and a healthy climate come together to create a bright future.
Michigan’s energy plan is to move toward a net-zero future, and Enbridge is positioned to help support the state in achieving this goal.
Both Michigan and Enbridge are moving toward a clean power grid. Both believe that the health of the environment goes hand-in-hand with energy and economic security.
“Enbridge has powered industry, supported jobs and heated homes in Michigan for more than 70 years,” says Pete Sheffield, Enbridge's chief sustainability officer and vice president of U.S. external affairs. “We’re working with communities, customers and policymakers to achieve common goals—and reaching our own goal of being net-zero carbon emissions from operations by 2050.”
“Enbridge is committed to enabling Michigan’s energy future. We are committed to doing our part to maintain a healthy climate. We are at work to make it happen.”
—Pete Sheffield, Chief Sustainability Officer and VP U.S. External Affairs, Enbridge
Enbridge can help Michigan meet its goals
- Coal-to-gas transformation: In recent years, Enbridge expanded infrastructure into Michigan to support coal-to-natural gas switching to make electricity generation cleaner.
- EV project with a trusted Michigan partner: Last year, Enbridge supported development of a hydrogen fuel cell electric bus project in Ontario, Canada—Michigan’s key collaborator in the region’s electric vehicle (EV) technology, manufacturing and infrastructure transformation, and the state’s largest trading partner.
- Food for thought: Enbridge completed a $1-billion agreement with Divert Inc. to support the development of facilities across North America that transform wasted food into renewable natural gas. The technology opens up potential for the future of Michigan’s world-class and economically vital agribusiness and food and beverage production industries.
Enbridge’s solar projects across North America provide more than 122 megawatts of clean energy capacity. That's the equivalent of powering 25,507 households with low-emission electricity.
Collaboration between Enbridge and Divert Inc. aims to grow Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) supply, decarbonize the food value chain and combat climate change.
It matters today—and tomorrow: Michigan needs more energy
- The International Energy Agency says energy demand around the world is expected to increase over the next three years as urban centers and populations continue to grow.
- In Michigan and the Great Lakes region, demand for energy will also keep rising, driven in large part by manufacturing—the engine that has powered economic prosperity in Michigan for decades. In 2021 alone, manufacturing output in Michigan was valued at more than $101 billion, driven by more than 11,000 manufacturing companies employing nearly 600,000 people across the state.
- With a well-trained labor force, vast natural resources and a reputation for innovation-meets-grit, Michigan is uniquely positioned to propel the entire Great Lakes region’s economic future. But it cannot get there without access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
Economic opportunity and environmental quality will continue to shape Michigan and the Great Lakes region as a magnet for people to live, work and raise families. Enbridge is ready to help Michigan achieve its environmental and climate plans—and transform into an even greater economic powerhouse.
“Enbridge is committed to enabling Michigan’s energy future,” says Sheffield. “We are committed to doing our part to maintain a healthy climate. We are at work to make it happen.”
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