Michigan's unoccupied brownfield sites have the potential of housing renewable energy facilities that could generate 5,855 megawatts, some 17,500 jobs and more than $15 billion in investments, according to a study by the Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University.

"The large number of brownfield sites, combined with the state's generous incentives for brownfields redevelopment, create a prime opportunity to expand Michigan's renewable energy capacity," said Soji Adelaja, the institute's director.

"Adapting such sites to renewable energy development does not require the costly environmental remediation necessary for other uses."

The report, "Potential Application of Renewable Energy on Brownfield Sites: A Case Study of Michigan," says that brownfields converted to wind and solar power sites could generate enough energy for 1.8 million households, almost 50 percent of Michigan homes.

With its history of heavy industry, Michigan has 44,000 acres of brownfield sites that can be used for development. Converting the sites for renewable energy generation, could help the state meet its clean energy goals.

Michigan adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard last year. The standard calls for 10 percent of the state's energy to come from efficiency gains in usage amounting to 1 percent and 9 percent renewable sources by 2015.