SS3801 Final Project: Renewable Energy

Daniel Schapel, Tanner Schertz, John Dagg, Justin DeByle, Lucien Harris, and Liam Waldridge

With the passing of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act, Michigan’s goal is to supply 60% of energy from renewable sources by 2035 and have 100% of energy come from clean sources by 2040 [28]. For Michigan law, renewable energy comes entirely from sources that naturally regenerate over time (biomass, solar, hydrothermal, etc.), and clean energies emit minimal greenhouse gasses and have 90% of any emitted carbon captured before it reaches the atmosphere [28]. Implementation of clean, renewable energy sources is a critical step forward for slowing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. Currently, electricity generation is responsible for the largest share of carbon emissions in Michigan at 29% [35]. A transition to clean, renewable energy sources is a necessary step towards a healthier, sustainable climate and environment. The question remains as to how this goal should be best met. The team’s goal is to determine, amongst the many possible energy production methods, which options are best for Michigan’s available space, climate, and workforce. This website was created to inform Michiganders, politicians and laypeople alike, about the various pros and cons regarding several major renewable energy sources, both technically and socially, and then proposing a potential energy plan for Michigan to move towards based on which power source fits Michigan's social and technical capabilities the best.