2024: A Look at an Exceptional Year of Accelerating Solutions for Cleaner, Smarter, and More Accessible Communities
In 2024, NextEnergy experienced remarkable growth, collaborating with and supporting more than 50 innovative energy and mobility demonstrations, pilot projects, and testing programs.
We are excited to present our Annual Update, which highlights our achievements, partnerships, and the impactful work we’ve undertaken throughout the year. This comprehensive overview reflects our commitment to advancing communities and cities, showcasing the progress we’ve made together.
Mobility Initiatives
Detroit Smart Parking Lab
The Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL) reached several milestones including:
- supporting 14 new technology deployments to enhance urban mobility.
- welcoming more than 200 visitors from around the world, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration.
- hosting a successful Government Day and Investor Day, connecting stakeholders to a network of industry professionals and opportunities.
- launching the Autonomous Movement Initiative, awarding four grantees’ funds to test their cutting-edge parking? technologies.
- inviting several international delegations to educate them about the innovative ecosystem that the Motor City offers.
Michigan Mobility Funding Platform/Real-World Deployments
In addition to our efforts at the DSPL, NextEnergy assisted the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in administering 13 new real-world deployment grants through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform. This brings the total number of deployments to an impressive 58 since 2021, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to fostering innovative mobility solutions across the state.
Hydrogen Advancements
NextEnergy is proud to highlight our achievements in the hydrogen sector, particularly the recognition of our technical programs manager, Lauren Mattar, by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In May, Lauren was a recipient of the 2024 Annual Merit Review Award. Her contributions to the development and validation of heavy-duty hydrogen fueling components and protocols have had a lasting impact on industry advancements.
Additionally, Lauren participated in the Fuels Summit, contributing to a panel discussion titled “Building a Brighter Future: Women Shaping the Hydrogen Economy,” showcasing the vital role women play in advancing the hydrogen sector.
Michigan Clean Cities
Michigan Clean Cities also made notable contributions to the community and the advancement of clean transportation initiatives in 2024, including:
- working with the state of Michigan to help secure an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The State of Michigan has secured $8 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Michigan Clean Cities (MICC) is proud to partner on this project, enhancing public EV infrastructure across the region.
- continuing its collaboration with the Affordable Mobility Platform, supporting EV car sharing launches at affordable housing locations in southeast Michigan. Carsharing sites came to fruition at River Crest Apartment Community and Eastside Community Network in Detroit, along with sites at Avalon Housing Communities in Ann Arbor.
- participating in the Forth Roadmap Conference and the TEEM national convening, learning about and enhancing public dialogue around clean transportation.
- The Battery Workforce Initiative was announced, highlighting the collaboration with industry leaders, educational institutions, and federal agencies to identify skills gaps, develop training programs along with creating new job opportunities in the clean energy sector.
- partnering with LISC Detroit to focus on integrating clean transportation solutions with affordable housing communities.
MINextCities
MINextCities (MiNC) continued to support technology deployments in Dearborn, Flint, and Marquette, addressing critical issues including flooding and stormwater management, fleet electrification, building decarbonization, advanced lighting controls, air-quality monitoring and next-generation mobility infrastructure. These initiatives play a crucial role in making our cities more resilient and sustainable.
Urban Tech Xchange
The Urban Tech Xchange (UTX) evolved as a hub for technology innovation. In 2024, we recorded more than 1,200 visitors and hosted more than 30 events in our collaborative space. Highlights include:
- 15 projects that were deployed and tested, contributing to urban technological advancement.
- The launch of a new Urban Tech Xchange website, providing enhanced resources and connectivity for our community.
As we reflect on the achievements of 2024, we are proud of the progress made and deeply grateful for the partnerships that have driven our success. Together, we are not only advancing innovative energy and mobility solutions but also creating lasting benefits for communities and cities across Michigan. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years to come. Thank you for your support and engagement.