Jan
21
2010
Impediments to Offshore Wind Energy Development in the Great Lakes
There are a number of factors identified as impediments to the robust development of offshore wind energy projects in the Great Lakes. Amoung those most often cited are the following:
- inadequate data on wind speed over one year and over many years;
- the need for strong transmission lines from the lakes to the major populations centers;
- electrical rates in some areas that are at a level to make wind power not competitive;
- lack of data on how winter ice flows will affect the wind turbine towers;
- the lack of large work ships needed for the construction of wind turbine towers in deep water;
- lake depths at distances offshore beyond line of sight;
- uncertainty in the regulatory system for the permits needed to begin construction; and
- incomplete studies on migratory bird patterns needed to help determined where offshore wind farms can be located
Until each of these issues is addressed by government or project developers it is unlikely that the Great Lakes will see the rapid development of wind energy predicted by many. Yet this is, without a doubt, the area of greatest wind resources for the Great Lakes States (and Canada).
Tags: alternative energy, Michigan alternative energy, Michigan energy, offshore wind, transmission lines, wind energy
Energy | Bruce Goodman | 21 January 2010 |
