Washtenaw County looking at wind power as energy option

Washtenaw County recently erected a meteorological pole in Sylvan Township, near Chelsea, on the Chrysler Proving Grounds to measure winds for 12 to 18 months that will test if wind farms are ideal for western Washtenaw.

Additionally, Reps from the state’s Wind Working Group have recently met with members from the Saline Sustainability Circle to discuss options and opportunity.

Excerpt:

Across the state, there are now 1,250 wind turbines, and the greatest potential for wind farms is offshore in the Great Lakes, Sarver said.

“Michigan is ranked fourth for potential to make wind turbine components,” he said, adding that 29 companies are already making them and 900 more could get into the business, including current auto parts suppliers.

Sarver said wind power could account for 8,000 to 24,000 new jobs in the state.
First, Michigan needs to adopt a “renewable portfolio standard,” that would mandate a specific percentage of the state’s energy come from renewal sources like wind, Sarver said.

Read the entire article here.