Two U.P. areas identified for offshore wind energy development

ESCANABA — As Michigan makes plans to develop wind energy, residents in the Upper Peninsula learned what an offshore windmill farm might look like in northern Lake Michigan.

The Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council held a hearing Wednesday in Escanaba to share information on its recommendations for offshore wind energy and get input from the public. The council provided mapping of the Great Lakes to show the most promising areas for potential wind development. For example, the most favorable areas must be at least six miles offshore and avoid shipping lanes, sensitive fish and wildlife habitats. A list of 22 criteria were used to identify area.

The two areas in the Upper Peninsula targeted for offshore development are near Delta and Mackinac Counties.

“We went through and mapped all of the Great Lakes and what we find is this is an area that doesn't really have any kind of exclusions to be taken out and may have an opportunity for offshore wind development for the future,” said Cindy Douglas with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Douglas presented map overlays showing the two areas identified for windmills. South of Big Bay de Noc in Delta County is a 70 sq. mile area that is outside of shipping lanes.

“The wind speed, the wind density is excellent. Some of the best in the nation. But in addition, it has shallow water that would be great for wind turbines,” she said.

In Mackinac County, they identified a 48 sq. mile area south of Naubinway and Brevort.

Attendees at the hearing used electronic voting to determine their views on how windmills might affect things like fishing and economic development. They looked at photos to assess acceptable viewing distances of the windmills. On one question, 84 percent responded that they view the Great Lakes on a daily basis.

The 29-member council is under the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth. It will issue a final report in the fall.