Public Information on Wind Park Installations

It is good to see growing local interest in the pros and cons of wind turbines.  It is important for local residents and government officials to fully evaluate how and where to take advantage of this clean power source. There is much to learn on the topic, and lots of dialog needed, to support well-informed decisions

While Mason County does not have the wind resources represented by the geographic swath running between North Dakota and Texas, it does contain sufficient wind resources to be of interest.  The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has published a US map showing the average wind speed at locations in Mason county to run from 11 to 17 mph.  In order for an area to be of interest to wind park developers, it should be above 14 mph.  Areas with this potential run along the shore of Lake Michigan between the Hamlin Lake dunes on the north and beyond and behind the Pumped Storage Plant on the south.

These links below are provided for easy access to recently-published (2007 to present) information sources that relate to wind turbine technology; market research, impact studies, statistics and the like. While AFFEW enthusiastically endorses sustainable energy, we have not taken a position for or against any proposed commercial wind parks.

We urge you to stay in touch with your local and state representatives, the Great Lakes Wind Council (GLOW) and the emerging Michigan legislative working group which is addressing the permitting and governance processes. They should have your input.

If you seek governmental, non-profit or academic findings concerning onshore and offshore wind parks, this list a good place to start.  Some industry group sites are also included, as they offer data not found elsewhere, but AFFEW cannot vouch for a lack of bias in their information. Finally, links from local newspapers and blogs are included where no other source of local information can be found:

1.   Onshore Wind Parks

2.   Offshore Wind Parks

3.   Industry Associations

4.   Newspapers, Blogs, and Industry Groups