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Water Energy Nexus Program

Water Energy Nexus Program

Water Energy Nexus Program update

The application period is closed for the Fiscal Year 2026 Request for Proposals.

EGLE offers grants to water and wastewater treatment facilities to aid in reducing onsite energy use at these facilities. This program will do so by helping to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy at water and wastewater treatment facilities. This program aims to showcase energy efficiency and/or renewable energy as an affordable, reliable, adaptable, and environmentally protective solution for Michigan's energy future. One of the priorities of this program is to cultivate public-private partnerships and knowledge-sharing to expand the impact of renewable energy and/or energy efficiency projects and related best practices.

Eligibility requirements

Any public or non-community wastewater or water facility physically located in Michigan is eligible to apply.

Funding amount

A total of $200,000 in funding is expected to be available, with individual grant awards ranging from $10,000-$100,000.

Awardee obligations

  • Provide progress reports emailed to program manager.
  • Provide reports on project impacts, addressing potential energy and cost savings.
  • Provide documentation on project expenditures (i.e. invoices and proof of payments).
  • Submit payment requests within 30 days of completing the project / activity.
  • Participate in an onsite visit with EGLE staff following project completion.
  • Complete a one-year follow-up survey on continued impacts of implemented project/activity.

Timeline (Fiscal Year 2026)

  • Application Posting: April 22, 2026
  • Application Deadline: July 2, 2026
  • Start Date of Projects: Effective date of grant agreement (dependent upon application date and approval process)
  • End Date of Projects: August 31, 2027
  • Deadline for Payment Submissions: September 30, 2027

Application documents

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the deadline of when projects need to be completed?

    The State anticipates the grant period will end on August 31, 2027.

  • Can I use other funding sources for the required match?

    Other sources of funding (like utility rebates) are generally fine with a major exception: federal funds, such as USDA REAP, cannot be used as match. Water- Energy Nexus Program grant funding comes from a federal source, US Department of Energy, and we are not allowed to use other federal funds as the match.

  • Is a match in funding required to receive a grant?

    No. A grant match is not required to be eligible for this program. Though, proposals will receive favorable consideration if they provide match funding to the project.

  • Can I use funding for a project that is already started or finished?

    No. In order for expenses to be reimbursed from grant funds, an EGLE grant agreement must be executed (signed) first.

Contact us

Colby Owens, OwensC9@Michigan.gov, 517-896-6631