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Water Energy Technology Research Program

Water Energy Technology Research Program

Water Energy Technology Research Program Update: The application period is open for the Fiscal Year 2027 Request for Proposals.

 

EGLE is offering a grant to a college or university, either public or private, in the state of Michigan to research an emerging, responsible clean energy technology that utilizes this state’s water resources in an efficient and/or sustainable manner and produces a corresponding research document. One program priority includes projects which research technologies for the data processing/hosting industry and/or electronics manufacturing industry. Another program priority includes projects which support the goals of the Michigan Maritime Strategy.

Eligibility requirements

Any public or private college or university in this state that grants baccalaureate degrees studying emerging, responsible clean energy technologies that maximize this state’s water resources. 

Funding amount

A total of $2,500,000 in funding is expected to be available.

Awardee obligations

  • Conduct a research project following the proposed research document and guidance of the program manager from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
  • Produce and present a monthly reporting statement detailing status of project work and financial tracking to EGLE staff assigned to this project. Meetings may be held virtually or in-person at a designated location or cancelled/rescheduled depending on the communicated needs of EGLE staff and the grantee.
  • Attend a monthly virtual meeting/phone call with EGLE’s grant manager two weeks prior to the monthly reporting meeting to communicate project updates and questions to determine the scheduling and/or need for that month’s reporting meeting.
  • Produce an informative research document for EGLE that details the work that was done, the findings of the research project, and promotes awareness of the availability, capability, and best management practices of the corresponding energy-and-water-sustainable technology.
  • Provide documentation on project expenditures (i.e. invoices and proof of payments).
  • Submit payment requests within 30 days of completing the project / activity.

Program timeline

  • Application Posting: August 10, 2026
  • Application Deadline: October 30, 2026
  • Start Date of Projects: Effective date of grant agreement (dependent upon application date and approval process)
  • End Date of Projects: August 31, 2028
  • Deadline for Payment Submissions: September 30, 2028

Application documents

Contact us

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

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, 2028.

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

    Other sources of funding are generally fine as this program is funded by the State of Michigan Public Act No. 0119 of 2023. Please speak with your program manager if you have further questions.

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

    Yes. A 10% grant match is required to be eligible for this program. 

  • What is the maximum budget per award?

    There is no maximum budget total, but the maximum grant amount per award is $2,500,000, meaning that one proposal may be awarded the full amount of funding available. A 1:10 match is required to be awarded a grant.

  • What is the maximum number of pages for the research proposal?

    There is not a maximum nor a minimum number of pages for the research proposal that must be submitted with each application. It is recommended that the research proposal be as concise as possible while still thoroughly presenting the proposed research project.

  • How many awards are expected to be given out?

    The number of proposals awarded and the grant amount per award is dependent upon the evaluation of the proposals by the joint evaluation committee to meet the program priorities and interests of EGLE.

  • Are there any restrictions on the number of submissions per institution?

    No, there are no restrictions on the number of submissions per institution. It is understood that many institutions may be pursuing different areas of research that would fall within the scope of this program.

  • 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.