HISTORY OF NEXTENERGY

NextEnergy is a nonprofit, 501(c) (3) organization, founded in 2002 and capitalized with a $30.0 million seed grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The Center's initial charge was to implement an economic development strategy for the State of Michigan to accelerate research, development and manufacturing of alternative energy technologies (AET) to advance the Alternative Energy Technology (AET) industry in Michigan. 

The Center is located in a new facility which opened in May 2005 near Detroit's Wayne State University campus.  NextEnergy is governed by a board of directors and operated by a small management and consulting staff to achieve the organization's mission.

PROGRAMS

The programs at NextEnergy are all designed to apply the knowledge about AET to practical, real life issues.  They are all mission-driven.  That is, they are directed at identifying and facilitating the commercialization of AET to positively contribute to economic competitiveness, energy security and the environment. NextEnergy has a state-of-the art, new facility that provides training rooms, an auditorium, space for exhibits and demonstrations and an 18,400 sq. ft. accelerator laboratory for AET -- all within Detroit's entrepreneurial TechTown.  NextEnergy also offers a microgrid power pavilion that enables AET system integration and includes flexible test bays for application of on-site electrical power and thermal energy technologies.  There is also an alternative fuel testing platform for advancing the development of hydrogen, natural gas, biological and synthetic fuels.

A targeted menu of business, community, consulting and economic programs are in place and achieving success.  Current program areas include:  business attraction and acceleration for AET-related companies, collaborative research and development, technical and program management support and initiatives for developing improved energy policies. SUCCESSES

Within its short history, NextEnergy's achievements include:

 Built and opened the NextEnergy Center near Wayne State University
 Built microgrid power pavilion & alternative fueling infrastructure
 Executed common agreement with Big 3 automotive companies
 Brought AET businesses to Michigan
 Acquired millions of dollars for AET research in Michigan   
 Led development of a world-class curriculum to position Michigan's colleges as national AET education leaders
 Built strong relationships with industry, community, military and policy leaders that established NextEnergy's credibility as a national independent AET resource.

NextEnergy has proven that it can achieve funding goals, deliver value to stakeholders and expand the application of knowledge about AET, while staying within budget.   It is an organization that works.