Reaching Net-Zero: Why Michigan Needs More Than Wind, Solar, and Batteries – Part 5 of Our Power Transition Series

There’s still much to do for Michigan to meet its climate goals. While the state has made strides in wind and solar energy, these sources alone won’t get us to net-zero carbon emissions. We’ll need to explore additional options.

Michael Craig, an Energy Systems professor at the University of Michigan, points out that we might need to consider nuclear power or carbon capture technologies. Let’s dive into these options.

Nuclear power offers a consistent energy supply. Unlike coal or gas, which can be turned off to manage the grid, nuclear plants run continuously and provide a steady power source—except during refueling. The Idaho National Lab has been developing small modular reactors (SMRs) that are portable and could be transported by truck.

At the former Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan, Holtec International plans to implement these small reactors, seeking federal approval for their design. This could serve as a real-world test if they succeed. Nearby, the Cook nuclear plant operates, providing additional nuclear energy capacity.

However, nuclear power has its challenges. DTE Energy is cautious about building new plants like Fermi 3 due to prior cost overruns. An example is the Vogtle plant in Georgia, which faced delays and ballooning expenses, highlighting the nuclear industry’s struggles with timely and budget-friendly executions. Sam Gomberg from the Union of Concerned Scientists emphasizes the need for the nuclear industry to improve its track record.

On the other side of the coin is carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). This technology involves capturing CO2 emissions from power plants and storing them deep underground. Brian Calka from DTE notes that their new natural gas plant near Port Huron emits 70% less CO2 than coal plants, and with CCS, that number could improve even further.

Interestingly, Michigan’s geological makeup is said to be ideal for carbon storage. Autumn Haagsma from Western Michigan University states that the state could potentially handle thousands of years’ worth of emissions. However, the technology is not without its risks. Recent incidents in Illinois revealed that CO2 storage can leak, raising concerns about groundwater contamination—a critical issue highlighted by environmentalists like Charlotte Jameson.

Ultimately, Craig insists that carbon capture is essential not just in the energy sector but also in various industries. He underscores the importance of starting the manufacturing processes for new energy technologies now, so we’ll be ready in the future.

According to a recent report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, only 11% of Michigan’s electricity came from renewable sources as of 2023, suggesting there’s still a long journey ahead. Michigan might be on the right path toward clean energy, but the pace needs to quicken if we want to meet ambitious climate targets.

For more information on renewable energy statistics in Michigan, check the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

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