Michigan Clean Energy Guide
Michigan has committed to 100% clean energy by 2040 under the 2023 Clean Energy & Jobs Act, one of the most ambitious goals in the Midwest. The state is building significant solar and wind capacity to meet its targets.
Source: American Clean Power Association
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Grid Operator: MISO
Michigan operates within MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator), participating in regional wholesale markets and benefiting from transmission access to Midwest wind resources.
Learn more about MISOClean Energy & Jobs Act and MI Healthy Climate Plan
Michigan's binding 100% clean energy by 2040 standard was established by the Clean Energy & Jobs Act, signed in November 2023, which also requires 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 60% by 2035. The earlier MI Healthy Climate Plan (2022) set aspirational goals including 60% renewable generation by 2030, economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050, and significant investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and transportation electrification.
Key Goals
- 50% Renewable Energy: By 2030
- 60% Renewable Energy: By 2035
- 100% Clean Energy: By 2040
- Carbon Neutrality: By 2050
- EV Adoption: 2 million EVs by 2030
Wind Energy Development
Michigan has built significant onshore wind capacity, particularly in the Thumb region of the Lower Peninsula where strong, consistent winds blow off Lake Huron. The state benefits from its position within MISO, which provides access to regional wind resources.
Great Lakes Offshore Wind
The Great Lakes currently have no offshore wind turbines, and Michigan has no active offshore wind program or pending applications; the state's last formal effort, the Great Lakes Wind Council, ended around 2010. While freshwater offshore wind presents unique challenges compared to ocean-based projects, federal and academic assessments suggest the potential resource is significant — though no Great Lakes state has yet established a legal framework for it.
Solar Development
Solar development has accelerated in Michigan with major utilities DTE Energy and Consumers Energy building large solar portfolios. Utility-scale projects are concentrated in central and southern Michigan, while distributed solar continues to grow on residential and commercial rooftops.
Utility Programs
Michigan's major utilities have committed to significant renewable investments. DTE Energy plans to add 15,000 MW of wind and solar by 2042, while Consumers Energy is building a large solar portfolio as part of its clean energy transformation.
Key Developers Active in Michigan
- DTE Energy: Major utility with large renewable investment plans
- Consumers Energy: Building significant solar portfolio
- Apex Clean Energy: Wind and solar developer
- Ranger Power: Utility-scale solar developer
- Invenergy: Wind development in Michigan
Challenges & Outlook
Michigan faces challenges including aging transmission infrastructure, interconnection queue backlogs in MISO, and local opposition to some projects.
Despite these challenges, Michigan's strong 2040 clean energy standard and utility commitments position it for significant clean energy growth. The state's manufacturing base also supports clean energy supply chain development.
Latest Michigan Clean Energy News
Headlines update throughout the day from our monitored industry and local sources. See the full daily briefing.
Project Opposition in Michigan
Guide facts last verified: July 5, 2026. News and opposition data on this page update automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Michigan's clean energy goals?
Under the 2023 Clean Energy & Jobs Act, Michigan has set a standard of 100% clean energy by 2040, with interim targets of 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 60% renewable energy by 2035. The state has also committed to carbon neutrality economy-wide by 2050.
How is utility-scale solar developing in Michigan?
Michigan has significant utility-scale solar development in the central and southern regions. Major utilities DTE and Consumers Energy are building solar portfolios, and the state is seeing growth in both utility-owned and independent solar projects.
What wind resources does Michigan have?
Michigan has good wind resources, particularly in the Thumb region and along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Onshore wind has grown significantly, though the Great Lakes currently have no offshore wind development.
What is Michigan's approach to offshore wind?
Michigan has no active offshore wind program: the state's last formal effort, the Great Lakes Wind Council, ended around 2010, and the Great Lakes have no offshore turbines. While federal and academic studies suggest significant resource potential, no Great Lakes state has established a legal framework for offshore wind.