Part I: Policy Dimensions of Offshore Wind Energy Development

Erik Nordman Ph.D., Grand Valley State University
Betty Gajewski, Grand Valley State University, Annis Water Resources Institute
Paul Isely Ph.D., Grand Valley State University, Seidman College of Business
John Koches, Grand Valley State University, Annis Water Resources Institute
Kurt Thompson, Grand Valley State University, Annis Water Resources Institute
Jon VanderMolen, Grand Valley State University, Annis Water Resources Institute
Yue Fan, Grand Valley State University, Graduate Research Assistant
Sara Damm, Grand Valley State University, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Aaron Ferguson, Grand Valley State University, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Ryan Gajewski, Grand Valley State University, Undergradaute Research Assistant
Claire Schoolmaster, Grand Valley State University, Undergraduate Research Assistant

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Part II of this series can be viewed here.
Part III of this series can be viewed here.

Related Files:

   West Michigan Wind Assessment Website
   Wind Power West Michigan - Project Overview
   Status and Trends Fact Sheet - March 2010
   Status and Trends Report - November 2009
   Wind Power and Human Health Issue Brief
   Wind Energy Deployment Issue Brief - May 2010
   Wind Energy Glossary: Technical Terms and Concepts

Abstract

The deployment of thousands of wind energy facilities required to meet various renewable energy targets will bring changes to the nation’s landscapes, communities, and economies.

The intent of this integrated assessment project is to comprehensively analyze the benefits and challenges to wind energy development in one particular region of coastal West Michigan, including Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties.

By combining science and public participation, our integrated assessment will empower citizens and local governments to make informed decisions about wind energy facilities in their communities. Our project will enhance local capacity to mitigate conflicts surrounding wind energy development, and will help Michigan achieve its ten-percent renewable energy target in a manner that is environmentally, economically, and socially appropriate.

This report is a result of work sponsored by the Michigan Sea Grant College Program (#3001274549) under Federal Grant Number NA05OAR4171045 from National Sea Grant, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce, and funds from the State of Michigan.