Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center
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The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC), located at 200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon, MI 49440[1], was developed as a direct response to the growing need for alternative and renewable energy sources. The mission of MAREC is to be an international destination point for researchers and business developing alternative energy technologies and applications. In addition, the Center will be a leading resource for education and instruction on alternative energy.
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[edit] History and Development
The initial spark for the development came in 1999 when a group of Grand Valley State University faculty and Muskegon business people conceived the idea of a research and development facility focused on alternative energy. Subsequent partnerships between the business, community, and the private sector resulted in groundbreaking for the Center in late 2002, and finally the opening of the doors in 2003.
[edit] The Building
The 25,000-square-foot (2,300 m²) facility is powered, in part, by a fuel cell and a micro turbine, which turn natural gas into electricity. In addition, the building's photovoltaic solar roof tiles harness the solar power generated by the sun to create useful energy. MAREC then uses a nickel metal hydride battery system to store some of the energy produced by these sources for use during peak energy consumption periods.
The building was also constructed using many alternative and renewable building materials including flooring surfaces produced from fast-growing bamboo and recycled tires, and rigid wall surfaces made from pressed wheat. These materials were used to conserve and recycle valuable natural resources.
[edit] Economic Development
MAREC is part of the Muskegon Lakeshore SmartZone, a joint venture with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the city of Muskegon, and Grand Valley State University. The Muskegon Lakeshore SmartZone is intened to promote and attract high technology business development in Muskegon and the region. MAREC has 4,000 square feet (400 m²) of space devoted to incubating businesses that will research and develop alternative energy sources and uses. The focus on alternative energy is expected to be a catalyst for economic development and job growth in the area. Research and development initiatives will also fuel business expansion at Edison Landing, the 32 acre SmartZone being transformed into a multi-use office, retail, and residential center. Overall SmartZone development is expected to complement the array of human, physical, and capital investments made at MAREC.
[edit] References
Grand Valley State University, MAREC informational pamphlet
[edit] See also
GVSU MAREC home page - http://www.gvsu.edu/marec/
