Sep. 21--Alternative energy encompasses a broad range of technologies. Michigan economic development officials and NextEnergy, a Detroit nonprofit organization, are spending the majority of their time on four areas: wind, advanced energy storage, solar and biofuels. Here's a look at each:

Wind

Michigan's manufacturing prowess and skilled workforce could be utilized to make the thousands of parts that go into a wind turbine. NextEnergy is working with auto suppliers and other manufacturers to help them win business in this area.

"Our manufacturing base maps better to wind than anything else," said Dan Radomski, NextEnergy's vice president of industry services.

Just ask the proprietors of Ort, which makes huge gearbox covers and other parts for wind turbines in its factory in Erie. In the last eight to 10 months, it took on debt so it could invest $5 million in new equipment to serve the wind and solar markets, which now account for nearly 35% of Ort's business.

"Michigan has potential," said company President Robert Milano. "But the mentality has to change. You have to be aggressive. You have to be competitive."

The state already boasts 27 wind energy suppliers, according to NextEnergy. But it still lacks a wind turbine manufacturer.

"That's the big hurdle," said Martin Dober, vice president of new markets for the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

To attract a turbine manufacturer, experts say the state needs more wind farms. Michigan ranks 14th among states in wind energy potential, according to the American Wind Energy Association.

The state's first commercial wind farm, Harvest Wind Farm near Pigeon, started generating power for its only customer, Wolverine Power Cooperative, this spring.

Advanced energy storage

Economic development officials and Detroit's Big Three automakers are trying to bring to Michigan the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric and plug-in hybrid cars.

Continental AG and Compact Power, the two suppliers competing for the contract to supply batteries for the Chevrolet Volt, have said they will build production facilities in Michigan if selected.

Battery development and assembly makes sense for Michigan because of the presence of Detroit's automakers and the state's dominant role in automotive research and development, officials say.

Several battery developers such as A123 Systems Inc. do R & D work in Michigan. But when it comes to manufacturing, experts say the state will have to find ways to be competitive on a cost basis with rival locations. One battery maker, EnerDel Inc., recently announced plans to open a manufacturing plant in Indiana.