MSU Report Highlights Michigan's Potential as Leader in Offshore Wind Power
Michigan could be a major player in wind power if offshore wind turbines were set up off the coasts of the Great Lakes, according to a new report from the Michigan State University Land Policy Institute.
According to the study, Michigan's wind generation capacity grows significantly if Great Lakes wind assets offshore are taken into consideration along with previous estimates of the state's wind assets onshore.
If wind towers could be located offshore at all depths and without any restrictions, the state could generate 321,936 megawatts of electricity from offshore wind using about 100,000 turbines. Of course, doing that would be impractical. But even with the kinds of restrictions that are commonly applied to offshore wind energy production, the potential is significant, the report says.
At a maximum depth of 60 meters – which is currently feasible and has been done elsewhere – the offshore power generation potential is 102,592 megawatts, the report says. That would require 33,861 high-power turbines. At a maximum depth of 30 meters, which the report calls “the most feasible and common deployment depth worldwide,” the potential is estimated at 55,250 megawatts using 18,782 turbines.
That’s a substantial increase in the 16,560 megawatts of potential that a 2004 report attributed to Michigan’s onshore wind resources. It’s also a represents a potentially huge increase in Michigan’s power-generating capacity overall. According to the report, Michigan’s current usage is equivalent to 12,331 megawatts of continuous generating capacity. During peak times, the report says, the state is capable of generating 30,189 megawatts.
“While Michigan is well endowed in onshore wind resources, ranked 14th nationwide, ” the report says “... it is perhaps even better endowed in offshore wind. Offshore wind has several potential advantages over onshore wind.” Among the advantages, according to the report are:
Michigan is one of eight states and two provinces with Great Lakes resources under their control.
Michigan alone has, within its jurisdiction, approximately 40 percent of the Great Lakes water surface area.
Much of the Great Lakes bottomland that is within the jurisdiction of Michigan is essentially owned and operated by the state, in trust for the public.
The degree of difficulty in implementing wind projects offshore in the Great Lakes is significantly less than in ocean or saltwater applications.
Project implementation costs for Great Lakes application will likely be lower than in marine applications.
State marine coastal management zones only extend 18 miles, while Great Lakes states zones are not subject to such restrictions.
Saltwater is much more corrosive than freshwater, making salt water offshore projects less durable.
Ocean floor topography makes it difficult to address visibility issues, because ocean-based projects involve greater depths closer to shore.
"Given the unique management framework in the Great Lakes, the potential to mitigate some of the issues that typically arise with onshore application and the potential for Michigan to be a bigger player in the national wind generation space," the report says, "we recommend that greater consideration be given to state policies to guide offshore wind development."
To read the complete report (20 pages, PDF format), click here.
WWJ e-newsletters sign up WWJ Newsradio 950 e-newsletters bring automotive, business, technology, entertainment, and home news and information to your desktop. Interested in a complimentary subscription? Please register as a new reader by clicking here.
Sponsored Links:
WWJ Newsradio 950 is Detroit's only all-news radio station and is the leader in Detroit radio news. Listen online to WWJ-AM 950 for live, local Detroit news, up-to-the-minute Detroit traffic, Detroit sports, Detroit business and Detroit community information. WWJ Newsradio 950 is an award winning radio station and you can listen online and podcast on demand Detroit news, Detroit Construction Alerts, Detroit School Closings, Winter Survival Guide and learn more about our Business Breakfasts. www.wwj.com.
Michigan could be a major player in wind power if offshore wind turbines were set up off the coasts of the Great Lakes, according to a new report from the Michigan State University Land Policy Institute.