Power in Partnership: Insights for Siting Utility-scale Renewables in Michigan

Abstract

In November 2023, the Michigan State Legislature passed several bills with the intention of accelerating the deployment of renewable energy to meet the 2020 MI Healthy Climate Plan targets. One key piece of this legislative package was Public Act 233 (PA 233), which established a state level siting and permitting pathway for utility-scale renewable projects. Previously, local jurisdictions managed land use approvals for solar, wind, and battery projects. With PA 233, developers may opt for state-level approval through the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). This change necessitates that MPSC, which has experience siting linear infrastructure such as transmission lines and gas pipelines, adapt to the unique social and environmental impacts of renewable technologies. With an effective date of November 29, 2024, the MPSC must develop an understanding of the novel considerations of renewables siting for efficient and effective policy implementation.

To assist in this transition, this capstone team created this report synthesizing state- and local-level siting practices. The report also reviews best practices in community engagement and highlights key insights from interviews with various stakeholders and technical experts. The ultimate goal is to expedite MPSC’s learning curve while ensuring that approved projects adhere to the best practices in design, safety, and community engagement. The report contains chapters ranging from comparison of state-level siting authorities to specific analysis of wind, solar, and battery storage projects, culminating in a comprehensive set of suggestions and takeaways for MPSC staff that map directly to PA 233 provisions. These findings are supported by academic literature, case studies, policy research, and interviews.