November 19, 2009 - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) Director Stanley "Skip" Pruss today announced that the state will award Michigan State University (MSU) $83,806 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) to install anemometers on five Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS) towers. The anemometers will accurately measure wind speeds at three heights, allowing MSU to assess Michigan's wind energy potential and encourage development of renewable wind energy.
"Wind energy is a valuable resource that we're anxious to tap," said Granholm. "This project will support our efforts to build a vibrant wind energy industry in Michigan, further diversifying our economy and creating good-paying jobs for Michigan workers."
Most publicly-available wind speed data was gathered at relatively low levels. Since most commercial wind turbines are 70 to 100 meters in height, Michigan needs tall tower wind speed data to accurately measure and map the state's wind energy potential. MSU will use the new information to create a validated 100 meter wind power map for Michigan, allowing the state to identify and promote those areas best suited for wind power development. Data collected in other Midwest states indicates current Michigan wind speed measurements may underestimate the state's wind energy potential.
"To support the growth of wind energy in Michigan, validated wind speed data at heights where large turbines are constructed is essential," said Pruss. "Growing Michigan's wind industry will allow us to both create jobs and reduce our reliance on imported energy."
MSU and DELEG's Bureau of Energy Systems will be assisted by the Michigan Department of Information Technology (DIT) staff who will install the equipment on the five MPSCS towers. Anemometers, wind direction vanes, and temperature sensors will be installed at varying heights up to 100 meters on the following five towers:
- Gratiot County, tower 1402
- Delta County, tower 8407
- Antrim County, tower 7901
- Mason County, tower 6604
- Hillsdale County, tower 1902
MSU has been collecting data from one MPSCS tower in Berrien County since April 2009. Data collected from these towers will be posted online to make it available to the public and interested parties.
For more information, visit the Bureau of Energy Systems' website at: http://www.michigan.gov/energyoffice.
For more information about DELEG, please visit www.michigan.gov/deleg. Follow DELEG at http://twitter.com/MIDELEGor visit the "DELEG" page on Facebook and Become a Fan.
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