September 26, 2008
September 26, 2008
Speakers detail alternative energy, economic and job opportunities in businesses that address global climate change
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and His Majesty Carl XVI Gustav, King of Sweden, today hosted a clean energy summit in Dearborn focused on issues ranging from global climate change to advanced energy solutions with business, academic and international leaders in the field. Advanced and alternative energy experts highlighted the potential for Michigan to create jobs and diversify its economy by focusing on this growing sector.
"As our nation seeks long-term energy security, Michigan is well-positioned to lead the way," Granholm said. "Our world-class research capabilities, well-trained workforce, and economic incentives will help attract the companies working on new energy solutions and the jobs they will create."
Granholm opened the conference with thanks and congratulations to the King on his nation's contributions of leading-edge alternative energy solutions. Sweden is recognized as a world-leader in alternative energy development. The country has established the ambitious goal of being completely oil-free by 2020.
Granholm noted that her own Centers of Energy Excellence (COEE) program grew out of her visit last year to Sweden. Earlier this week, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved the creation of the state's first three centers: a waste-to-biogas production facility in Flint, commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Kinross in the eastern Upper Peninsula, and an advanced battery research and manufacturing center in Ann Arbor. To qualify for COEE status, a private sector enterprise must partner with one of the state's research universities and local or state government to create jobs in the alternative and advanced energy sector.
"These partnerships with universities, national labs and training centers will accelerate next-generation research, workforce development, and commercialization of new technologies," said James C. Epolito, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
"The Centers of Energy Excellence program is one component of our aggressive strategy to diversify our economy and grow our state into the North American center of alternative energy."
In addition to the King and Granholm, speakers at the conference included Epolito; David Cole, president of the Center for Automotive Research; Professor Christian Azar of the Chalmers Technical Institute in Sweden; Dr. Josephine Bahr-Ljungdell, director, Swedish Energy Agency; Reinhold Mann, associate laboratory director, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory; U.S. Ambassador to Sweden Michael Wood; Peter Unden, managing director, Swedish Biogas International AB; Michael Fornetti, director of engineering for NewPage Corporation; Jonas Rudberg, CEO, Chemrec AB; Mary Beth Stanek, director, Environment, Energy & Safety Policy, General Motors Corporation; and Bruce Jamerson, CEO, Mascoma Corporation.
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