Future energy research coming to Muskegon

Grand Valley is poised to be at the forefront of alternative energy research, thanks to a new partnership housed at the Muskegon Lakeshore SmartZone.

Grand Valley State University, First Power and Siemens Corporation have announced a plan for a long term partnership that will focus on research and development of new energy technologies to be highlighted at the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in Muskegon.

Seidman School of Business has created a working group with several corporations, including Siemens Corp. and First Power to explore the development of the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in the Muskegon Lakeshore SmartZone. The center would serve as an international energy technology destination, offering different resources to companies, researchers and scientists throughout the world.

'Muskegon will become a destination for all of the future energy people in the world,' said Seidman School of Business Dean David Mielke.

The plan calls for a research institute to explore alternative sources of energy, a business incubator to develop energy-related ventures, a resource base, an education and training center, and a conference center.

The development would be the first commercial project in the world to integrate fuel cell technology, a heat recovery system, micro-turbines, solar/photovoltaics, and a nickel metal hydride battery storage system. The facility itself would be the first distributed energy (electricity, heat and cooling) system in the world serving a mixed use development.

The announcement was made at a press conference at GVSU's Lake Michigan Center in Muskegon, and was attended by area business and political leaders. Present were Grand Valley Trustee Jose Infante, U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra, state Sen. Leon Stille, Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Morat-Larsen, Muskegon Area First President Todd Battle and Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington.

Warmington cited the announcement as the dawning of a new day in Muskegon.

'Hello new fuel cell energy. Goodbye foundries,' said Warmington. 'We are excited. This is a great day in Muskegon history.'

Hoekstra said the project will have national importance.

'From a national persepctive, Muskegon is getting in on the ground floor of an issue that needs to be addressed on a national basis -- energy,' said Hoekstra. 'You're at the right place, and you're at the right time.'