Alternative Energy
The development and promotion of renewable transportation fuels has been a priority
focus for Wayne County under the leadership of County Executive Ficano, and some
of the greatest achievements during his administration have lessened the County’s
reliance on foreign fuel, increased fuel economy, and reduced emissions.
In 2006, Wayne County’s entire diesel fleet was converted to biodiesel, a renewable
alternative fuel that can be made from a variety of sources, including vegetable
oils, fats and greases. Its use sharply reduces tailpipe emissions and is safer
for the environment than petroleum-based fuels.
Biodiesel is the fastest growing renewable fuel in the United States, and Wayne
County is one of the leading governmental users of biodiesel, having purchased more
than one million gallons. Wayne County is also the home of two biodiesel plants.
Partners
TechTown
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park, Detroit, MI
Located in Detroit’s Midtown district on the campus of Wayne State University, TechTown
has developed into an epicenter of high-tech business creation by equipping new
alternative energy companies with the services, support and resources they need
to grow and thrive. NextEnergy, an alternative energy incubator founded to encourage
the commercialization of emerging energy technologies, opened a $12 million research
facility in TechTown.
In December 2008, the Wayne County Land Bank Corporation announced a $750,000 construction
grant to TechTown. This grant will enable TechTown to build out 10,000 square feet
of office and laboratory space on its third floor – enough for nine to twelve new
tenants. There is already a waiting list for this space.
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Projects
Alternegy
Romulus, MI
In February 2008, Alternegy announced the development of a $30 million biodiesel
fuel production plant in Romulus, MI. The 25,000-square-foot facility will produce
10 million gallons of carbon-reducing biodiesel per year, with the capability of
expanding to 30 million gallons per year. It is the second biodiesel plant to locate
in Wayne County.
Fisher Coachworks LLC
Livonia, MI
Electing to locate in Michigan rather than Tennessee, Fisher Coachworks announced
in December 2008 that it would invest $7 million to develop an ultra-lightweight,
40-foot hybrid bus in Wayne County. The bus, boasting twice the fuel efficiency
of current hybrids, will be designed for urban use.
Michigan Institute of Aeronautics Inc.
Huron Township, MI
The Belleville-based postsecondary institution and one of the largest aviation maintenance
technician schools in the nation chose to expand and locate its Power Technology
Institute in Huron Township. The Power Technology Institute, with 103 students currently,
expects to grow to over 600 students over the next five years. The institute focuses
on alternative energy and trains students to become technicians and dispatchers.
To support the project, Wayne County has proposed to make $7 million worth of improvements
on Sibley Rd., including new lanes with traffic signals.
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Other Resources
Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing of Alternative and Renewable
Energy Technologies (CAMARET)
Formed by Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, Wayne State University,
the University of Michigan, and Michigan Technological University, CAMARET partners
with companies and organizations engaged in the design and manufacture of alternative
and renewable energy technologies, such as wind turbines, solar collectors/photo
voltaic cells, advanced batteries, and fuel cells, and alternative fuels (especially
bio-based sources), to improve their manufacturability, improve quality, reduce
costs, and increase throughput/productivity, while providing environmental, energy,
economic and societal benefits.
Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association
Formed in 1991, the Renewable Energy Association is a non-profit organization that
educates, advocates, promotes, and publicly demonstrates renewable energy technologies.
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