Michigan's Renewable Energy Portfolio Expansion

[LMich]

I hadn't even heard of this. The location makes since, and at 150 MW, we're talking a baseload-level power plant, here.

Chronicle file photo/Marge Beaver/Photography Plus

The Muskegon County Wastewater System in Eggelston and Moorland townships.

Muskegon County ready to move forward with wind farm

Eric Gaertner | Muskegon Chronicle
Tuesday, October 12, 2010

MUSKEGON COUNTY — By the end of this calendar year, a wind-energy developer could be in place and Muskegon County officials likely will be considering specifics of the proposed wind farm for the county’s wastewater site.

County officials are planning to move rather quickly over the next couple months in setting up and selecting a wind developer for the planned project that would result in large turbines generating 150 megawatts of power.

...

In addition to the high interest shown by developers, the county has taken steps over the last year in preparation for the planned project. The most visible step was when the county purchased and installed a mobile wind-test unit to gather wind-speed data at the 11,000-acre site in Egelston and Moorland townships.

A private developer Scandia Wind, has proposed a wind farm on the site and drafted an exclusive agreement, but the county decided to open it up to others before signing a contract.

Scandia proposed a 150-megawatt wind farm on the wastewater site as part of a larger wind-energy development proposal that features a 500-megawatt offshore wind farm in Lake Michigan off Grand Haven. Scandia developers said their proposal of 50 turbines on the wastewater site would produce enough electricity to serve 30,000 homes and could be operational by 2013.

I believe we talked about the Scandia farm proposed off Grand Haven a few months back.

Oh, a related story:

L-3 Combat Propulsion Systems proposes role in Muskegon's wind-energy efforts

Eric Gaertner | Muskegon Chronicle
Tuesday, October 12, 2010

MUSKEGON — A cutting-edge generator that would be made at the L-3 Combat Propulsion Systems plant in Muskegon could help generate the energy at the proposed wind farm at Muskegon County’s wastewater site.

...

L-3 managers told county officials last Thursday that its involvement with the county project — supplying the chosen wind-energy developer with the company’s prototype turbine generator — would lead to additional corporate support at the local plant on Getty Street and a nearby demonstration project to show the large wind-turbine manufacturers.

A magnetic-based generator for wind turbines, deemed much more efficient than the typical gear-driven model in current wind turbines, is the basis for L-3’s plunge into the commercial market as it attempts to diversify itself beyond the parts it makes for military vehicles. The hybrid motor stems from a Germany technology company, Magnet Motors, that L-3 purchased last year and could be used in onshore and offshore turbines.

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[Hayward]

I like this proposal over the one that is to be out in the lake.

[fishrose]

This proposal looks awesome... an excellent use of otherwise wasted land on top of the wastewater treatment site.

[LMich]

Lots more renewable energy plants are making it through our process, lately...

Michigan's largest wind farm starting to take shape

By Katherine Yung | Detroit Free Press

July 10, 2011

BRECKENRIDGE -- No one will mistake these miles and miles of flat farmland for the Thumb or the shores of Lake Michigan. But here in the middle of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, where the wind happens to blow just right, the state's largest wind farm is starting to take shape amid fields of corn, beans and sugar beets.

In just a few weeks, enormous steel towers, fiberglass blades, gearboxes and other parts that go into 464-foot-tall wind turbines will be arriving from around the country. About 150 construction workers will begin building the first of 133 wind turbines at the new Invenergy wind farm in the northeast corner of Gratiot County, west of Saginaw.

"We kind of compare it to when the railroad came through in the 1800s," said Jeff Ostrander, Breckenridge village manager. "It's new. It's different. It's interesting."

The wind farm represents a major boost for the development of wind energy in Michigan, which has been slower than many other states to adopt this form of renewable power.

Starting early next year, the Invenergy farm will produce 200 megawatts of electricity, which can power more than 50,000 homes. Michigan's other wind farms currently generate only 164 megawatts of electricity combined, according to the American Wind Energy Association.

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Mason County planners unanimously approve Consumers wind farm plan

By Dave Alexander | Muskegon Chronicle

July 7, 2011

LUDINGTON – After months of study, investigation and debate, the Mason County Planning Commission gave the green light Thursday to the proposed $232 million Lake Winds Energy Park in Riverton and Summit townships.

The unanimous vote on a special use permit crafted out of the county’s zoning ordinance especially amended for the 56-turbine project was hailed by supporters who are land owners among the 309 parcels in the wind park or were supportive of the economic development benefits of jobs and tax base for Mason County.

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Other proponents thanked the planning commissioners for their “political courage” and bringing Mason County “into the future.” Many of the supporters outside of the two affected townships are happy with economic impact studies showing the project will create 150 jobs during peak construction times and eight to 12 full-time jobs during operations of the 100-megawatt wind farm that can produce enough power for 25,000 homes.

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This is some serious megawattage being added, finally.

[mousquet]

Couldn't find any Oakland County thread, bringing this thing here since it's about energy saving.

• Video Link

What is this? Could anyone please spell the materials which those fiberwalls are made of? because I'm unable to make it. How significant could this be? may be big...

[Cleveland Brown]

^ Styrofoam load-bearing exterior walls? Thankfully, this isn't being built in a seismic zone.

[Hayward]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Brown

^ Styrofoam load-bearing exterior walls? Thankfully, this isn't being built in a seismic zone.

Structural insulated panels can and usually are designed for seismic zones. They can be designed to outperform traditional shear wall construction methods. The method above...which seems to require alot more field construction may or may not be appropriate for seismic loading, but regardless the construction is very durable.

The market has been around for these already, it's just that it's now getting more popular. If the Michigan company has a competitive advantage....higher R values, ease of assembly, anti microbial / anti mold, high fire resistance, customization, lower price, etc then they could be big.

About a year ago, I made a decision I'd use this type of construction in my future home. I'm confident in saying that in the past few years, the construction materials industry has made a major leap in new materials from an environmental and durability standpoint.

[uaarkson]

Can't wait to drive out to see these beauties.