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The Gratiot County Wind Project near Breckenridge is but one example of how wind energy is taking shape in Michigan. PHOTOS: JOE BOOMGAARD

Wind power is taking off in Michigan. The state has some 50,000 megawatts of combined onshore and offshore wind potential, according to a U.S. Department of Energy study, and developers are starting to capitalize on that energy. For proof, take a trip east on M-46 to Breckenridge and see the fruits of local developer Rich Vander Veen’s many hours of labor taking shape in the form of the Gratiot County Wind project.
Other projects include:

• Consumers Energy has more than 75,000 acres of easements in place for wind farm development in Mason, Tuscola and Huron counties.
• Holland’s local Board of Public Works is considering a wind farm in Allegan County to expand its renewable energy base.
• TCI Renewables is in the process of constructing an 80 MW farm in Ionia County on agricultural land.
• The Michigan Wind Energy Consortium was recently formed to explore and develop an energy and technology center on Muskegon Lake. The project hinges on forging ties among key companies, educational institutions, local governments and development agencies.

“Not only is commercial wind development a renewable energy generating opportunity, but it really represents a chance for West Michigan to grab on to a piece of a new generation of manufacturing. This is a multimillion or even multibillion dollar business opportunity in terms of sales, manufacturing value and economic development for the area,” said Arn Boezaart, director of the GVSU Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in Muskegon.

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