May 3, 2004
MiBiz Network
By Tim Gwozdz

MUSKEGON — Government officials, business people and Grand Valley State University officials gathered late last month for the formal dedication of the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC).

The 25,000-square-foot structure in the Muskegon Lakeshore SmartZone is a business incubator and research and development center for alternative and renewable energy technologies. A demonstration project for those technologies, MAREC uses a molten carbonate fuel cell, photovoltaic cells and a nickel metal hydride battery system provide energy to its physical plant.

Cooperative efforts between GVSU, the Michigan Public Service Commission, the city of Muskegon, Muskegon Area First, the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, the Muskegon Area Community Foundation, Muskegon Community College and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation led to the creation of the center. GVSU President Mark Murray said that when you consider that partnership, MAREC’s goal of furthering education, the creation of jobs and businesses that will result from the center as well as the promise of alternative energy, MAREC is a “win, win, win.”

Murray praised Grand Rapids businessman Peter Wege as one of the leaders who supported the campaign to get MAREC off the ground. Wege told MiBiz the impact of the new center would have both regional and global implications.
“This is one of the most positive things to happen for Muskegon in years,” Wege told MiBiz. “MAREC will be the birthplace for alternative and renewable energy and it will serve as a model for the rest of the country.”

Wege said he sees MAREC as a symbol of regional thinking that must not be abandoned.

“There are so many things Grand Rapids and Muskegon should collaborate on that can be absolutely positive and wonderful for the whole state. It could start and be generated from here,” Wege said.

Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington did not overlook the center’s importance to the city of Muskegon.

“We look forward to the positive results from the research and development that will lead to alternative and renewable energy sources for the world,” he said. “As a community we appreciate the commitment of President Murray and the university board of regents to our community.”

A $3 million grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission helped fund MAREC.

“This facility and its mission is absolutely necessary to the long-term health and well-being of this state and the nation,” said Michigan Public Service Commission member Bob Nelson. “MAREC will serve as a beacon for those who want to help this country navigate the rocky shores of a 21st century energy policy.”

The alternative and renewable energy initiatives at the center are being headed by MAREC Executive Director Imad Mahawili Ph.D. Mahawili stressed the importance of energy to those gathered at the dedication and said that MAREC signals a new beginning for energy production.

“This is the dawning of the distributed generation age of energy,” he said.

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This article appeared in the May 3, 2004 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who do business in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz Network, visit www.mibiz.com .