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Wed, Aug 6

NEWS: Michigan’s Expensive Net-Zero Gamble

Michigan’s plan to hit 100% clean power by 2040—heavily reliant on wind, solar, and storage—could add $386B to energy costs by 2050 and raise average residential bills 146% by 2035, according to modeling by the Mackinac Center. (Mackinac Center)

  • The “wind-solar-storage” scenario would require building more than 80 GW of renewables plus 25 GW of storage, quadrupling current capacity.

  • The bottom line: Analysts say Michigan can meet emissions goals more reliably and cheaply by extending baseload plant lifespans, adding CCS and nuclear, and focusing on “reliable portfolio” standards over renewable mandates.

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