

Why Wind for Michigan?

The energy landscape is constantly evolving and changing (just like Michigan weather). To keep energy affordable and reliable at the same time we move toward a cleaner energy future, Michigan must invest in a range of renewable energy sources across the state, from Detroit to Kalamazoo, and all the way to Sault St. Marie.

Wind energy is an increasingly viable energy source. Mixed with other sources of energy, wind power can bolster reliability and variety in Michigan’s energy supply.

How is Michigan Using Wind Power?

Michigan energy providers like DTE Energy have already invested in significant wind power infrastructure, and are generating more renewable energy at lower costs than ever before. Some of these updates include higher-output wind turbine designs and new software applications.

Read below to learn how Michigan can benefit from wind power.

·        Wind could save you money. Because the fuel is free, costs to consumers stay low. On average, wind power costs between two and six cents per kilowatt-hour, making it one of the cheapest energy sources in the country.

·        Wind power is good for the economy. Contributing more than $20 billion to the United States economy every year, wind power allows us to be competitive in the energy market. Michigan residents are seeing revenue greatly benefit their communities as well. Tuscola County voted in favor of a millage that gave the local Akron-Fairgrove Public School District $3 million to improve the school for agreeing to host wind turbines.

·        Wind creates jobs. Wind power jobs are in abundance. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 100,000 people have been employed in the wind sector. That number is expected to exceed 600,000 by the year 2050. Furthermore, the Natural Resources Defense Council reports that Michigan hosts 120 companies that supply the tools necessary to harness wind power.

·        Wind energy is good for the environment. Not only will energy bills be lower, you can feel good knowing that your use of wind power comes with less impact on the environment.

·        There is no scarcity of wind power. In Michigan, at least, we don’t have to worry about running out of wind. Maps of Michigan’s wind farms illustrate that the majority of wind turbines are located in the thumb region where turbines turn the continuous gusts off of Lake Huron into energy that helps power Michigan’s entire grid. Wind energy installations can also be found in the UP and other areas of the state.

As older coal-fired power plants continue to shut their doors across the Midwest, it is important for Michigan—as well as other states nationwide—to look toward the future of energy. By continuing to invest in wind energy and modernizing existing structures, the future of Michigan energy is bright.