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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 2, 2026
Kal Sperbeck, EGLE Brownfield Renewable Energy Specialist, SperbeckK1@Michigan.gov, 517-899-3355
Josef Stephens, EGLE Spokesperson, StephensJ15@Michigan.gov, 517-897-4965
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is opening a Request for Proposals for the MI Brightfields Pilot. The program is offering $10 million in grants to establish renewable energy and energy storage on environmentally contaminated properties, with $5 million available in this first round. A second round will open in spring 2027.
The MI Brightfields Pilot is primarily designed to support the development of solar and/or battery energy storage. However, all competitive projects that result in the deployment of renewable energy or energy storage technology on brownfield sites in Michigan are invited to apply. Eligible technologies may include, but are not limited to, ground-mounted solar, rooftop solar, carport solar, solar plus storage, standalone battery energy storage, wind, and geothermal.
Eligible applicants are local units of government, such as counties, cities, townships, villages, municipal electric utilities, brownfield redevelopment authorities, economic development corporations, or other public bodies created pursuant to state law. Governing bodies of federally recognized Indian tribes in Michigan are also eligible to apply. Applications must be for properties with known environmental contamination exceeding Part 201 criteria. Grant awards will be limited to $2 million per project and can be used for a variety of preapproved activities including:
- Renewable energy and/or energy storage costs
- Site preparation costs
- Environmental assessment activities
- Due care activities
- Response activities beyond due care
- Grant administration costs
EGLE will hold an informational webinar on Monday, November 9 at 11am to introduce the MI Brightfields Pilot, walk through the application process, and answer questions. Register for the webinar here.
EGLE Brownfield Renewable Energy Specialist Kal Sperbeck, SperbeckK1@Michigan.gov or 517-899-3355, for more information.
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