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Michigan

Updated July 2010

Contacts:

John Sarver (Bureau of Energy Systems, Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth)

(517) 241-6280

Overview of Status:

Michigan has conducted several extensive studies regarding various aspects of offshore wind development in the Great Lakes, including a "dry run" of the permitting process. The state now has a Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council.

Proposed Projects:

Policy and Regulation:

The Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council was established in 2009 by a state executive order.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association commissioned a "dry run" of the offshore wind permitting process. The Michigan Great Lakes Offshore Wind Permitting Dry Run Final Report was delivered in 2008, and it explored a hypothetical 100 turbine offshore wind farm in both deep water 30 miles from shore and near-shore shallow water.

The Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act (Public Act 295) was passed in October 2008. This act established a RES of 10% renewable by 2015.

Studies, Research and Development:

The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (Grand Valley State University) and the Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute (University of Michigan) received a $1.3 million grant in 2010 from the Michigan Public Service Commission to collect offshore wind and ice data on Lake Michigan.

In 2010 the Superior Watershed Partnership received $350,000 from the Michigan Public Service Commission for polling public opinion about offshore wind development and for researching the viability of specific sites in Lake Michigan.

In 2009 the Great Lakes Commission published Preparation for Offshore Wind in Lake Michigan: Information Solicitation Options for Michigan and Wisconsin. The document explores Request for Information or Request for Expressions of Interest, Request for Proposals summarizes solicitations issued by East Coast states.

The Report of the Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council which was delivered to Governor Granholm in September 2009.

The West Michigan Energy Solutions Team has been involved in various renewable energy initiatives at the sub-state level since 2007.

A Michigan Wind Working Group was formed in 2002 that included developers, utilities, and relevant state agencies. DOE also sponsored formation of a State Wind Outreach Team.