Lots of controversy on a proposed wind farm in Lake Michigan about
1-2 miles off the West Michigan shore. Wind Farms are up and
contributing to the grid in Texas, Iowa, California, Washington, and
Minnesota, which are the top 5 wind power states. Wind power
grew by 39% in capacity over 2008, for a total of 35 gigawatts,
according to the American Wind Energy Association.
A proposed offshore Wind Farm that would cost $3 Billion dollars is
trying to get public support for its plan. The Scandia Wind Energy
LLC say it would create thousands of jobs, primarily constructing the
massive wind turbines in the waters of Lake Michigan just south of
Ludington. The company says that location is positioned to transmit
electricity to Chicago or Detroit areas perfectly.
A new jet engine wind turbine with 4 times the efficiency has interested
the DOE enough to give $ 8 Million in grants for further testing. The theory
is that it would take less electricity to power the turbines, so output would
be doubled. This could be the look of the future, with massive wind
turbines scattered over the countryside and in our Great Lakes.
Would these huge turbines intefere with Lake Michigan coastal traffic? Would they
affect the fishing industry? Would they be visible from the shore? There are lots of
questions but there is no doubt that alternative ways of making electricity are at the
top of the list for utility companies, environmentalists, and private citizens. Will the
wind turbines be part of the solution to greener energy?
Update: The city of Grand Rapids is proposing putting two 300 foot wind turbines on
land they own in Grand Haven, on Lake Michigan to power their water plant. If this project
goes forward it would be the first of its type in Michigan.
Photos of Indiana Wind Turbines by Bonnie Westbrook
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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,
the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in
West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
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