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Offshore Wind Energy

World class winds over the Great Lakes could be a significant source of clean renewable energy. At the same time, the Great Lakes are unique and valuable ecosystems that must be protected. The Great Lakes Wind Council was tasked with proposing good places for offshore wind development, consistent statewide leasing rules, and provisions for public input. Wil Cwikiel, former Watershed Council Policy Director and current member of the Great Lakes Wind Council explored both the opportunities and threats of offshore wind energy at Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council’s 31st Annual Meeting.

Michigan Environmental Council Policy Director James Clift is also a member of the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Council and answered the following questions regarding wind power.

What is the Wind Council?  

The Great Lakes Offshore Wind Council was created by Governor Granholm in February of 2009 to identify the best potential areas for offshore wind in Michigan, ensure Great Lakes bottomlands are protected and identify other barriers to offshore wind energy development in Michigan. The Council is made up of a wide range of stakeholders including developers, utilities, recreational users, environmental representatives and many others.   

When will we see some recommendations?  

The council issued its first report on September 1, 2009. It included initial mapping criteria to assess proposals to lease Great Lakes bottomlands, a discussion of current permitting shortfalls and recommended procedures for engaging the public on the issue. The Governor then extended the life of the council, adding new members and charging the council with finishing the mapping exercise, developing a more comprehensive leasing regulation and further engaging the public in a discussion on the topic.

What are the potential benefits of offshore wind in Michigan?  

More than 60% of Michigan electricity currently comes from coal-fired power plants. Those plants result in significant public health costs and damage to our natural resources. They also result in billions of dollars a year leaving the state to purchase coal from other states. Offshore wind has the potential to reduce the environmental impacts from power production, create jobs that put our manufacturing base back to work, and keep more of our money in Michigan rather than buying coal from others.   

What are the risks, or drawbacks?  

Offshore wind is a new industry for the Great Lakes, and thus poses some challenges. The first set of risks involves the impact on birds, wildlife, aquatic ecosystems and bats. Studies in Europe demonstrate that proper location is important and that most species are extremely adaptive to the construction and operation of the wind farms. The legislation recommended by the council requires developers to do a site-specific assessment of their parcel.   

The proposed legislation also dedicates the majority of royalties collected for further scientific study and habitat restoration efforts in general. As to the structures themselves, the state can protect itself from other risks by requiring the developer to purchase bonds to ensure structures are maintained and properly removed after their useful life.   

The second set of risks involves the economics of the project, such as the amount of power produced and the cost per kilowatt. However, this risk is likely lower than the danger of coal prices escalating sharply in the next decade and causing the same economic disruption as $4 a gallon gasoline did.   

Are there places where Michigan should consider not allowing offshore turbines?  

Yes, certain areas due to their pristine nature. National Lakeshores and wilderness areas should probably be considered off limits. In other areas, the buffer zone from shore will need to be carefully considered to make sure that other uses are not unreasonably impacted. Water depth will be tricky in many areas due to current constraints on turbine placement in water over 50 meters.  

Where to Learn More:

Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council website
http://www.michiganglowcouncil.org/

Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council
Summary of Council's Input: Siting and Regulation of Offshore Wind Energy

Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council
GLOW presentation for community meetings
NOTE: This file is 8.4 MB. If you have a dial-up connection it could take several minutes to download this presentation.