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Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot

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Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is offering $10 million in grants to establish renewable energy and energy storage infrastructure on contaminated properties. The grants can be used for brownfield activities, site preparation, and energy infrastructure costs at properties with known contamination.

Brownfield renewable energy developments, or brightfields, provide significant community benefits, such as:

  • Clean energy generation.
  • Preservation of green space and working lands.
  • Revenue and job creation.
  • Drawing additional investment in the community.

About the Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot

Eligible property

Only sites of known environmental contamination, i.e. Part 201 facilities, are eligible.

If your site does not have a state-issued facility ID, you will be required to submit sampling results showing proof of contamination with your application.

Eligible applicants

Applicants must be local units of government such as:

  • counties,
  • cities,
  • villages,
  • townships,
  • brownfield redevelopment authorities,
  • economic development corporations, or
  • other public bodies created pursuant to state law.

Governing bodies of federally recognized Indian tribes are also eligible to apply.

Eligible activities

Activities must be preapproved, but may include:

  • Environmental assessment activities.
  • Due care activities.
  • Response activities beyond due care.
  • Underground storage tank removal.
  • Building and site demolition.
  • Abatement of lead, mold, and/or asbestos.
  • Site development costs.
  • Renewable energy infrastructure costs.

Funding

This pilot is being funded by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. EGLE received $129 million for implementation projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This pilot is one component of the award and will disburse $10 million in grants.

This is a reimbursement program. Funds will be disbursed to grantees after costs are incurred, not as an upfront lump sum.

Application process

The application process for the Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot will be shared in early 2027.

Timeline

1
Fall 2026

Program kickoff

2
Early 2027

Round 1 of applications opens

3
Spring 2027

Round 1 grants awarded

4
2027 To2029

Additional rounds

Additional rounds will follow until funding is exhausted.

5
Sept. 30, 2029

Pilot concludes

Current and completed assessments

Information on current and/or completed assessments will be shared in summer 2027.

Contact the Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot program

For questions about the Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot program, contact Kal Sperbeck at SperbeckK1@Michigan.gov or 517-899-3355.