Integrated Assessment of Off-shore Wind A Research Partnership between : Grand Valley State University Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center and University of Michigan Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute
Feb 22, 2016
Integrated Assessment of
Off-shore Wind
A Research Partnership between:
Grand Valley State UniversityMichigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center
andUniversity of Michigan
Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute
Why Study Offshore Wind ? • Michigan & U.S. energy needs continue to grow• Offshore wind is an untapped renewable resource• US security requires reduced dependency on fossil fuel
from foreign sources• Environmental concerns about fossil fuel power
generation and need for cleaner options• State and federal RPS policies will expand and require
greater renewable energy portfolio• Nuclear energy is expensive and politically complex
The GVSU – U of M Challenge• Design/build/install a year-round research platform and MET
tower in Lake Michigan. • Gather wind and related research data and develop information
needed to support offshore wind technology.• Engage state and federal agencies in project siting, bottom land
leasing, permit issuance, nautical safety and environmental regulatory process.
• Explore new frontiers of offshore wind turbine technology, wind measurement, design, construction, grid connectivity.
• Establish cost and logistical requirements. How can it be done in cost effective way?
What We Hope to Learn
1.The impact of the environment on the Research Platform and MET Tower
2.The impact of the Platform and Tower on the environment
3.How to navigate through the licensing, permitting and regulatory process to advance off-shore wind development
4. The benefits and considerations of off-shore wind development
5. The economic impact potential for the lakeshore region & W. Michigan
Key Elements of 3-Year Project
• Match secured federal and state funding with public or private investment partner to complete required project funding
• Design, build, equip and operate a research platform and MET tower in Lake Michigan
• Collect and analyze data, conduct research and publish reports
• Use project results to advance offshore wind development along eastern Lake Michigan shore
Project support - Grant Awards• Congressional allocation of $1.4 million to support
offshore wind project in Lake Michigan (March 2009).• Michigan Public Service Commission award of $1.33
million to support development of offshore research project in partnership with U of M Phoenix Institute (March 2010).
• Additional funding to be sought through RFP process to support offshore wind study and related research (April 2010).
The GVSU - U of M Project
Participants and Funding To Date:US DOE: $1,427,250MPSC: $1,336,370UM: $ 334,100Private Sector: Pending RFP will solicit project
partner participation and funding balance required to complete project
A Five Phase - 3 Year Project1. Select site with project partners to locate research
platform and meteorological tower2. Federal / State permitting & bottom land leasing
process - environmental studies3. Design, construct, & install equipment in Lake
Michigan4. Conduct offshore wind and related research for
three-year period5. Engage public through education and outreach
The Research Focus
Five Primary Research Targets 1. Wind Data Collection & Analysis / LIDAR evaluation2. Ice Accretion and impact on structures3. Comprehensive year-round eco-system impact
assessment: bird & bat studies, aquatic organisms 4. Wind Power System Design / Grid Integration5. Social, Economic, Public Perception and Policy Impact
Analysis
Guiding the WayWorking in Partnership with GLOW Council
• Evaluate Federal & State permitting, leasing, siting procedures and construction process
• Conduct comprehensive environmental studies process for offshore development including NEPA / MEPA process
• Advance public outreach and education strategies• Inform, engage, and solicit feedback from Michigan citizens• Represent wind development interests of the state of
Michigan
What Will We Learn?
• The impacts of the environment on the Platform and Tower - can it withstand Lake Michigan?
• The impacts of the Platform and Tower on the environment - aquatic organism, birds, recreation
• Field trial results of the licensing,permitting and bottom land leasing process for offshore wind
• The benefits and costs of offshore investment• Economic impact of offshore development
Bottom Line: An Economic Opportunity
• Michigan’s peninsula is positioned to become an economic hub of manufacturing, construction, installation and maintenance of wind structures; and a significant source of renewable energy
• If successful, thousands of jobs will result throughout Michigan from the manufacture of system components, metal fabrication, assembly, water transportation, construction, electrical distribution and related support services
• This project will help guide future development
Thank you for your interest!Wish us well and favorable winds
as we undertake this challenging journey