Chrysler takes big step toward erecting wind turbines near Chelsea

Chrysler’s Proving Grounds is taking its first major step toward harnessing wind power by trying to put up a wind turbine test tower near Chelsea in Sylvan Township. The tower will test the viability of installing wind turbines in the area for the next 18 months.

 

Excerpt:

 

The next phase of building a wind turbine test tower south of Chelsea got off the ground March 18, but the high-tech tower itself did not.

 

For the second time in a month, the cold and rainy weather caused the construction of the tower in a field at the Chrysler Proving Grounds to be put off for safety reasons.

 

Yet officials connected with the project — from Chrysler LLC, the University of Michigan, North Coast Wind & Power, Washtenaw County, Sylvan Township, Lima Township and the city of Chelsea — were not to be put off.

 

As they gathered in a heated tent near the test plot they spoke of their plans for the wind tower to help change the future.

 

“This is part of our whole company’s focus in the future to be more environmentally conscious,” said Deb Morrissett, vice president for regulatory affairs for Chrysler LLC.

 

It is the first tangible symbol of an 18-month feasibility study to determine if a turbine mounted on an 80-meter (264-foot) meteorological tower can generate a sufficient amount of electricity to be of any economic benefit.

 

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