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Lake Michigan next?

Doug Houseman's picture
Doug Houseman 39,529
Visionary and innovator in the utility industry and grid modernization, Burns & McDonnell

I have a broad background in utilities and energy. I worked for Capgemini in the Energy Practice for more than 15 years. During that time I rose to the position of CTO of the 12,000 person...

  • Member since 2017
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  • Aug 18, 2022
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The Ohio Supreme Court just ruled in favor of an off-shore wind farm in Lake Erie, after a two year court fight.

Similar to Lake Erie, Lake Michigan is mostly shallow (compared to Huron or Superior) so it is a low cost choice for off-shore wind, and close to load.

I would expect that because of the wind profile (the best in the Midwest) that Ocean sized turbines will be proposed. The FAA has already indicated in a presentation that they expect wind turbines in all the great lakes eventually.

It will be interesting to see who steps up to oppose Lake Michigan turbines and on what grounds?

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Mark Silverstone's picture
Mark Silverstone on Aug 19, 2022

It will be interesting to see who steps up to oppose Lake Michigan turbines and on what grounds?

It sure will be Doug. There are so many entrenched interests that will be threatened by developing wind energy on Lake Michigan.  But, there is a great deal of money to be made in addition to providing low carbon energy.  It will be nasty! 

Let´s hope sanity prevails.

Michael Keller's picture
Michael Keller on Aug 22, 2022

There is very little wind offshore in western Lake Erie during the summer - direct result of having sailed (racing) in that area. Fair amount of wind rest of the year.
However, is the wind resource cost effective in the Great Lakes or is it just a way for investors to make a healthy profit at the expense of the taxpayers, consumers, and the environment?
Seems to me the keys are reliability of the resource and the ability to help meet grid peaks. Dumping power into the grid in the middle of the night is not particularly helpful to the consumer.

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Thank Doug for the Post!
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