Energy Generation

This guide is designed to help communities address battery energy storage system (BESS) siting within their planning policies and zoning regulations. The guide was developed by experts from the Center for EmPowering Communities at the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute, in consultation with professionals from local and state governments, legal and planning sectors, utility […]

This guide is designed to help communities address solar energy system (SES) siting within their planning policies and zoning regulations. The guide was developed by experts from the University of Michigan’s Center for EmPowering Communities in partnership with Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, with input from a range of content experts.

This free guide helps Michigan local governments understand and plan for revenue from large-scale renewable energy projects. It outlines key revenue streams—including tax-based revenue, one-time payments, and lease or easement payments—and offers practical strategies to support local priorities and fiscal decision-making. The guide was developed by the Center for EmPowering Communities at the University of […]

The Energy Zoning Database Fact Sheet offers a comprehensive overview of the Energy Zoning Database, a research initiative aimed at understanding the regulatory landscape surrounding solar photovoltaic development in rural communities across the Great Lakes region. Covering six states—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin—the database is part of a larger research project funded by […]

This guidebook helps community leaders, planners, developers, and residents facilitate proactive discussions about large-scale solar (LSS) development. The guide provides a practical, eight-step process for planning and hosting respectful, productive discussions about solar’s local impacts—both positive and negative. Developed through the Community-Centered Solar Development project, it reflects real-world insights from pilot conversations led by university […]

Data platform tracking clean economy investments and projects; provides state fact sheets.

University research institute supporting energy innovation and entrepreneurship resources.

Confronting environmental change through research, education, and community collaboration

Nonprofit focused on electrification and clean energy transition strategies.

Building a more sustainable and resilient future for all