Clean Energy

According to a report from Climate Power, Michigan is expected to create over 167,000 new clean energy jobs in the next decade. And with companies like CMS Energy and DTE Energy leading the way, it is an exciting time to be a part of this future-forward industry — DTE Energy was recently recognized on Forbes’ list of top 150 large employers in America for 2023, highlighting their commitment to employee satisfaction and development. There is no doubt the Great Lakes State is a great place to work sustainably.

Budding careers in clean energy stem from Michigan’s vast higher education system. The University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is a leading institution that offers a Master’s of Science degree in Energy Systems Engineering, providing students with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to address pressing challenges facing the industry. Michigan State University allows students to major in environmental studies and economics and minor in energy, providing a solid foundation for careers in clean energy. And at Michigan Technological University, graduates and undergraduates can collaborate across disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, forestry, environmental science and engineering, to research energy and sustainability.

Whether you’re just starting a career in clean energy or have been a part of the community for years, Michigan is home to an abundance of industry associations and networking events to connect you to key players and opportunities. The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association organizes meetings in the community and advocates for clean energy jobs. Michigan State University’s Energy Extension Program holds the annual Powering Michigan Agriculture Conference, educating farmers on the variety of renewable energy technologies.

Michigan has dedicated talent teams, plus partnerships with manufacturers, suppliers, R&D facilities, universities and state agencies, who are working together to shape hydrogen career paths and expand industry awareness. This dedication is why our workforce regularly ranks in the top 10 in the country when it comes to what matters in hydrogen advancements: concentration of engineering talent, STEM degree completions, and tech talent pipelines. Many of these partners, including The University of Michigan Hydrogen Institute, the American Center for Mobility and the Michigan Infrastructure Office are members of the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen’s MachH2 Hydrogen Hub. This coalition will administer $1 billion from the Department of Energy to develop a regional supply chain for hydrogen production and distribution.