Water Energy Nexus Program

The Water Energy Nexus Program is administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), specifically through its Energy Unit within the Materials Management Division. EGLE is a state agency responsible for protecting Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources, with a strong emphasis on addressing climate change and advancing sustainable energy practices. Through this program, EGLE seeks to support infrastructure improvements that reduce energy consumption and promote renewable energy integration in water and wastewater treatment facilities across Michigan. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance for projects that improve energy efficiency, increase onsite renewable energy generation, and reduce operational energy use at water and wastewater treatment facilities. The initiative aligns with broader state goals, including the MI Healthy Climate Plan, and emphasizes the role of energy waste reduction strategies such as conservation, load management, and efficiency improvements. The program also prioritizes projects that demonstrate innovation, scalability, and the ability to serve as replicable models for similar facilities statewide. Funding under this opportunity supports a range of allowable activities, including implementation of energy-efficient technologies, deployment of renewable energy systems, and improvements that enhance operational resilience and reduce long-term energy costs. Projects must be based on sound planning, often informed by prior energy audits or assessments conducted by recognized providers. While the program does not require a funding match, applicants are encouraged to document any additional financial contributions or leveraged resources that enhance project impact. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, requiring recipients to incur and document eligible expenses before receiving payment. Eligibility for the program is limited to public or non-community water and wastewater treatment facilities that are physically located within the state of Michigan. Facilities must demonstrate ongoing operational use and provide a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through the federal System for Award Management. Projects must involve commercially available technologies and comply with all applicable state and federal regulations, including environmental and procurement requirements. Certain project types are explicitly excluded, such as those involving non-commercial technologies, out-of-state activities, or projects that cannot demonstrate transferability of benefits. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal through an online application system, along with supporting documentation such as an approved budget form, organizational charts, financial statements or audits, and a detailed project timeline. Applicants must clearly address program objectives, priorities, and required tasks, including documenting project outcomes, submitting progress reports, and participating in site visits and follow-up evaluations. Additional forms, such as those related to environmental compliance or historic preservation, may be required depending on project scope. Proposals are evaluated through a competitive scoring process based on criteria including project scope and objectives, anticipated impact, feasibility, organizational experience, and alignment with program priorities. Bonus consideration may be given to projects that include matching funds. Selected applicants must enter into a formal grant agreement with EGLE and comply with all reporting, documentation, and performance requirements. The grant period is expected to run through August 31, 2027, with final closeout documentation due by September 30, 2027. For the fiscal year cycle described in the request for proposals, the application period opened on April 22, 2026, and closed on July 2, 2026. Applicants were required to submit questions by May 13, 2026, with responses provided shortly thereafter. The program is structured as a recurring funding opportunity, subject to annual appropriations and program priorities. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor EGLE communications for future funding rounds and updates regarding subsequent application cycles.

Align proposal with program priorities including energy efficiency and renewable energy demonstrate measurable impact and feasibility and include clear documentation and reporting plans