2026 Renewable Energy Fundamentals Workshop-Calhoun
Monday, Oct. 12, 2026
1-4:30 p.m.
Toeller Building Conference Room
191 E. Michigan Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49014
The questions are growing. Across Michigan, communities are being asked to consider utility-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage system projects. Along with these proposals come questions about safety, farmland and marginal land, environmental impacts, decommissioning, sound, and Michigan’s changing energy infrastructure. This program will explore what is currently known, where uncertainty remains, and how different perspectives and community priorities shape decision-making. This 4-hour program provides research-based information on the topics communities frequently raise. Through presentations, discussion, and networking, participants will gain a better understanding of Michigan's evolving energy landscape and leave with resources to support continued learning and community conversations.
Who should attend? This program is designed for local elected officials, planning commissioners, zoning administrators, municipal staff, and interested residents seeking a deeper understanding of renewable energy regulation, siting, and development. Whether you are reviewing projects, participating in local decision-making, or simply looking for reliable information, this program will help you better understand key considerations associated with utility-scale renewable energy systems.
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Date |
Location |
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October 12 |
Battle Creek: Toeller Building Conference Room, 191 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek 49014 |
Cost: $10.00 per person
A full refund will be honored if cancellation occurs at least 3-days before the date/time of the program (72-hours). After that time, no refunds will be issued.
Master Citizen Planners earn 4 hours of continuing education.
Acknowledgment: This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) through the Reliable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program. R-STEP is administered with support from the Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has established with ENERGYWERX.
The Renewable Energy Fundamentals Workshop is also scheduled at six additional locations around the state. Registration for one of the other six session can be found here: https://events.anr.msu.edu/fundamentals26/
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Date |
Location |
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September 16 - Wednesday |
Marquette: Marquette Township Hall, 1000 Commerce Dr., Marquette |
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September 17 - Thursday |
Grayling: Kirtland Community College, 4800 W. 4 Mile Rd., Community Room A, Grayling |
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September 24 - Thursday |
Grand Rapids: MSU Extension Kent County, 775 Ball Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids |
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October 6 - Tuesday |
Brooklyn (near Jackson): Wellwise Services Area Agency on Aging, 107 Chicago St., Brooklyn |
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October 15 - Thursday |
Saginaw: Saginaw Charter Township Fire Station #1, 6171 Shattuck Rd., Saginaw |
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October 27 - Tuesday |
Lawrence (near Paw Paw): Van Buren ISD, 490 S. Paw Paw St., Lawrence |
An additional location has been added, Battle Creek, on Monday, October 12, 2026 1:00 pm -4:30 pm. Registration for that the Battle Creek workshop can be found here: https://events.anr.msu.edu/fundamentals26Calhoun/
All workshops run 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Registration for Renewable Energy Fundamentals-Calhoun is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on October 7, 2026.
Accommodations
Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Contact Information
For information, contact Mary Reilly at reillym8@msu.edu or 231-889-4277 ext. 1.