Alternative Energy a Michigan Solution, Now?

on Nov 12 in Related stories

Michigan businesses making strides in the alternative-energy industry
By Olivia Pulsinelli
West Michigan Business Review, Nov. 12, 2009

Whether for environmental or economic reasons, the country and the state have paid a lot of attention to alternative energy in the past few years.

A recent study conducted by professors from the University of California-Berkeley, the University of Illinois and Yale University, said adopting comprehensive clean-energy and climate-protection legislation, like the American Clean Energy and Security Act, could create as many as 1.9 million jobs nationwide and between 37,000 and 42,000 in Michigan.

The study, “Clean Energy and Climate Policy for U.S. Growth and Job Creation,” reported a likely growth in real GDP and average real household income, as well.

Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place Inc. in Grand Rapids, said Michigan definitely will see job creation from the alternative-energy industry, but maybe some types more than others.

“Our strategy at The Right Place is pretty much a twofold strategy,” Klohs said. “One, help your existing manufacturers diversify into this industry if, in fact, they have the capabilities.

“And two, look at where the supply chain is, and if we’re missing key pieces in the supply chain, find companies that can fill in the blanks.”

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