New Grand Rapids Facility Uses AI To Create Clean Energy

In a city where innovation and sustainability often go hand in hand, Grand Rapids just added another impressive win to its clean energy resume.

A new facility has opened its doors that uses artificial intelligence to turn wood waste into clean, renewable energy. So now your yard waste could go to help power your lights.

The project is led by a startup called Woodchuck, and it’s the first of its kind in Michigan. Think of it like the Tesla of biomass: They're all-electric, very tech-savvy, and surprisingly efficient with what they do.

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The $2 million facility doesn’t just grind up wood, it uses AI to help sort through waste and pick out the clean, usable wood, all while monitoring every step of the process. All of this is to make sure the resulting biomass fuel is as clean and effective as possible.

And yes, it’s about the environment — but it’s also about the local economy. Fourteen new jobs have already been created, and Woodchuck is working closely with the City of Grand Rapids in a unique partnership.

How does Woodchuck AI turn recycled wood into energy?

It’s actually surprisingly simple: The city provides downed trees that they pick up from our yards and after storms (free of charge). Then, Woodchuck processes them into energy (also free of charge).

With their powers combined, we do a lot of good with those branches that get in the way. Basically, It’s a win-win for everyone involved, and a big step toward a circular and more sustainable local economy.

Woodchuck might still be new on the scene, but it’s already proving that clean energy doesn’t have to be complicated or far off in the future for us here in Grand Rapids.

Up Next: 13 Things you shouldn't recycle in Michigan ⬇️

Sometimes, it’s just a matter of looking at what’s already around us (like fallen branches and old wood) and finding a smarter way to use them.