As renewable energy becomes more crucial to the Michigan economy, MSU is working to get the state out of its financial slump by investing in wind energy.
The university received a $59,902 grant from the Michigan Energy Office last week in order to promote wind energy projects.
“They have a lot of very relevant and good experience in this area,” said John Sarver, member of the Michigan Wind Working Group.
This money will help fund workshops for people interested in creating wind energy projects. Michigan is the No. 14 in the country for wind energy potential, which makes the state a good site for wind industry development.
“We want to move Michigan as a leader of energy,” said Stephen Harsh, an MSU professor and extension farm management specialist. “We want to make the general public aware of energy and its role for Michigan.”
Since 2004, MSU has been working to educate the community and landowners about the alternate form of energy, said Lynn Hamilton, visiting associate professor and wind project coordinator.
“What we’re really focusing on with this grant is we’re trying to work with several groups of farmers and help them decide if they should invest in this themselves,” she said.
By building wind turbines on their land, farmers can increase their revenue by renting them out or gaining a portion of the energy created, said Jim Byrum, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association.
“We’re supporters of any kind of renewable energy,” Byrum said. “It’s a good thing for sure.”
Investing in “community wind,” or wind owned by people inside the state as opposed to outside, has been the main objective of MSU’s wind energy projects. By creating wind turbines owned by farmers and community members, Michigan’s economy could see increased revenue.
“Wind is very economically competitive, and Michigan has a very good set of wind resources,” Harsh said. “No question about it, it will bring in more jobs.”
Other states have been developing wind energy for several years, but Michigan only recently began investing in this alternative energy source. It’s going to take a while to get the state where it needs to be, Hamilton said.
“The only thing about wind energy is it’s a long process,” Hamilton said. “Even if you have all the money lined up, it’s a two- to three-year waiting period just to get one turbine.
“Michigan has a long-term planning horizon, but it’s going to set a good path for the state.”
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