August 18, 2010
August 18, 2010
Recipient of Recovery Act funding to manufacture next generation biomass gasification power systems
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited Heat Transfer International (HTI) in Kentwood, one of nine small Michigan companies that shared $20 million in Clean Energy Advanced Manufacturing (CEAM) grants and loans to help them diversify into high-growth, clean energy manufacturing. Heat Transfer International will use the funding to develop and manufacture technologically advanced, commercially viable biomass gasification power systems. Michigan's CEAM grants are funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) and administered by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG).
The CEAM grant program is designed to assist small Michigan businesses in diversifying into manufacturing renewable energy systems and components and energy efficiency technologies that will boost the state's economy, create jobs and reduce reliance on imported energy. The CEAM award winners were selected from 40 applicants representing more than $105 million in proposed projects.
"These grants build on our strengths of a highly skilled workforce and manufacturing know-how to help make Michigan the center of the nation's clean energy economy," said Granholm. "With this Recovery Act funding, we're helping Michigan companies diversify into clean energy manufacturing and create good jobs."
Heat Transfer International will use the grant to help develop cost-effective systems to turn industrial, agricultural and municipal biomass waste into electrical power and heat energy. It is the only manufacturer of thermo-chemical biomass renewable energy equipment and systems in Michigan.
"Because of this grant, HTI estimates the creation of 120 direct and 250 indirect jobs," said DELEG Acting Director Andrew S. Levin. "By increasing its renewable energy design and manufacturing capabilities, HTI is creating clean energy manufacturing and engineering jobs in Michigan."
The Recovery Act is a one-time opportunity to rebuild Michigan's economy and put Michigan citizens back to work. Governor Granholm has said creating new jobs and jumpstarting Michigan's economy are priorities for spending Michigan's share of the economic recovery dollars.
For more information about DELEG, please visit www.michigan.gov/deleg, visit the DELEG page on Facebook and "Become a Fan" or visit the Michigan Government channel on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/michigangovernment
