Michigan Alternative & Renewable Energy Center


Welcome to MAREC                        

The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC)

MAREC was developed as a direct response to the growing need for the development of alternative and renewable energy sources.  The mission of MAREC is to be a destination point for researchers and businesses interested in advancing, developing, and using alternative energy technologies and related applications.  In addition, the Center is a leader and resource in advancing energy related education and the development of effective public policy that will lead to greater use and application of renewable energy technology.                                                                                                                  

The initial spark for the development of MAREC came in 1999 when a group of Grand Valley State University faculty and Muskegon business people conceived the idea of a research and development facility focused on alternative energy.  Subsequent partnerships between the business, community, and private sectors resulted in groundbreaking for the Center in late 2002, with the facility opening its doors in November 2003.

Located in the Muskegon Lakeshore SmartZone on Muskegon Lake, MAREC is a self-sustaining distributive energy center that features a 30 Kw Unisolar thin film photovoltaic solar roof array, a 30Kw Capstone micro turbine and a Skystream 3.7 wind turbine.  In addition, the facility offers business incubator space, energy laboratory, conference center, and classroom facilities.

MAREC's strategic focus revolves around four key initiatives: 1) managing a leading-edge facility, 2) implementing visionary energy projects, 3) providing alternative energy education, and 4) supporting the economic development of the Muskegon region, the surrounding lakeshore region, West Michigan and the State of Michigan in collaboration with others.

MAREC contributes to the growing effort to establish Michigan as a leader in the application, development and use of alternative and renewable energy technologies. Please join us on this important journey. 

T. Arnold (Arn) Boezaart, Director