MICHIGAN SITES WIND ZONES

West Michigan, Thumb best for wind energy, report says
Amy Lane, June 2, 2009 (Crain’s Detroit Business)

"Three regions in West Michigan and one region in the Thumb area have the state’s highest potential for wind energy projects…The Michigan Wind Energy Resource Zone Board issued preliminary findings in a report which looked at commercial or utility-scale wind energy projects on land…

"The 11-member board includes representatives from cities and villages, townships, the Michigan attorney general’s office, the Michigan Public Service Commission, the renewable energy industry, electric utilities, independent transmission companies, environmental organizations, alternative energy suppliers, and the public."

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"Of the regions, the Thumb area has the highest estimated generating capacity and annual energy production potential, involving an estimated 1,578 to 2,824 wind turbines. Northwest Michigan…is second, involving an estimated 435 to 778 turbines.

"The report [prepared by Public Sector Consultants Inc. and the Michigan State University Land Policy Institute] has been submitted to local governments in the regions for their comments, due by Aug. 4. Public hearings are scheduled Aug. 24…and Aug. 31…The board will issue a final report to the PSC, and transmission companies and utilities will assess transmission infrastructure that may be needed to deliver the estimated energy production in the regions."

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"The PSC will consider the findings in the board’s final report and other information before designating one or more areas as a “wind energy resource zone.”

"…[T]he board states that a zone designation 'will not guarantee that wind energy projects will be constructed within the zone; decisions on where to locate wind projects will continue to be left to market forces…A zone designation will also not abrogate the authority of local governments over the siting and approval of wind energy projects. It will, however, facilitate the [timely] planning, siting and construction of transmission lines…'"