In an effort to transform Michigan into a leader in advanced energy technologies, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced Wednesday the formation of three new Centers of Energy Excellence.

The centers:

• Mascoma Corp. will receive $20 million from the state for the development of what could become the nation’s first commercial cellulosic ethanol plant, located in Kinross in the Upper Peninsula.

• Swedish Biogas International has been awarded $4 million for a facility that produces biogas using waste from Flint’s wastewater treatment plant.

• Sakti3, a University of Michigan spin-off company in Ann Arbor, will receive $3 million to pursue development of next-generation lithium-ion batteries for the auto industry that could be made in Michigan.

Continue reading: Freep.com

Also see: Michigan’s clean energy focus attracts King of Sweden in the Detroit News

A 1,500-acre tract of land near the eastern tip of the Upper Peninsula could be the site of a potential $140 million wind farm, operated by the city’s Board of Public Works.

At a joint meeting today, the BPW board and City Council unanimously approved an agreement to take out an option on property in Chippewa County’s DeTour and Raber townships, owned by Holland-area resident and developer Wayne DeYoung. The utility will pay $300,000 for the option, and could spend nearly $1 million more on investigating the project’s feasibility, BPW General Manager Loren Howard said.

Continue reading: The Grand Rapids Press at mlive.com