Lake Michigan Three-Year Wind Research Project Ends

Last month saw the end of  The Grand Valley State University wind research platform three-year research mission. The final year saw the 10 foot by 19 foot wind buoy data-gathering just over 6 miles off of the Muskegon County shoreline in Lake Michigan, United States. The research buoy had to withstand some very harsh and wintry conditions.

10983538 large 300x2251 Lake Michigan Three Year Wind Research Project Ends

The GVSU and the U.S. Department of Energy( who jointly own the buoy and its equipment) will now seek  new research opportunities. The Lake Michigan venture cost $1.6 million and will provide federal officials with a final report by the end of March. Further work for the wind research buoy is likely to come for Lake Huron, another one of the five great lakes.

The buoy collects valuable data about wind speeds and direction, plus wave and environmental conditions- all necessary for entrepreneurs and investors when considering possible on-lake commercial wind platforms. The buoy uses state-of-the-art  laser monitoring technology that can determine wind speed well above the lake surface. It was specifically designed to collect data for the potential of offshore turbine development on Lake Michigan, but can be transported and used on the other lakes, or indeed anywhere off the coasts of the United States.

Great Lakes Offshore Winds 2 300x2111 Lake Michigan Three Year Wind Research Project Ends

Despite great potential, Great Lakes wind power has proved to be a controversial issue.  No platforms have been built since an energy developer from Norway unsuccessfully suggested building wind farms off the shores of Pentwater in 2009. But the benefits to those on the shores and further inland around the lakes could mean cheaper electricity. Perhaps 2014 will see new proposals…