Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  April 5, 2024

Michigan Signs MOU with Argonne National Laboratory

Michigan and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate the state's clean energy transition.

The partnership focuses on researching, developing, demonstrating and deploying technologies in four areas: industrial decarbonization, battery manufacturing and recycling, workforce development and future mobility systems planning.

“Today’s MOU (Memorandum of understanding) will help us achieve our goal of 100% clean energy by 2040,” said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a statement. ​“We are excited to partner with Argonne researchers and work together to lead the future right here in Michigan.”

Investment decisions involving the decarbonization of Michigan’s industrial base, which includes manufacturing products such as iron and steel, cement, chemicals, forest products and furniture, will be informed by Argonne’s expertise in energy efficiency, industrial electrification, low-carbon fuels, and carbon capture and storage.

Argonne’s energy storage research — focused on reducing dependence on critical materials, facilitating sustainable resource recovery, discovering new lower-cost and higher energy density materials and enabling safe fast charging — will inform decisions as Michigan advances economic expansion in battery manufacturing and assembly. Additionally, the laboratory's workforce training and career development models will support Michigan's efforts to train and reskill workers.

As Michigan seeks to decarbonize transportation through public transit and mobility solutions like car sharing and bike and walking infrastructure, Argonne’s state-of-the-art software and systems simulation workflows will help assess the impacts of various solutions.

“Argonne is thrilled to partner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Together, we will help deploy the industrial decarbonization and sustainable transportation technologies that are needed for a clean-energy future,” said Argonne Director Paul Kearns. ​“Through this agreement, Argonne will further its commitment to accelerating science that drive U.S. prosperity and security.”

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