Michigan has 1,455 MW of installed wind capacity and 100 MW under construction, representing over $2B in investment; and officials are considering plans and a policy framework for additional capacity in the near future. Michigan’s 39 manufacturing facilities are actively producing components for wind turbines that are being assembled and installed across the country.
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), in collaboration with its Michigan partners and colleagues, will host a wind forum on January 20 to explore the benefits and challenges of Michigan’s current and future wind industry. The event will feature Michigan policy, industry, and government leaders, as well as experts on national, regional, and state wind markets; transmission; permitting; wind integration into the grid; local economic development; and water and air impacts. Attendees will hear from wind stakeholders, including private and public utilities, county commissioners, agricultural organizations, wind developers and manufacturers.
Because of wind energy’s many dimensions and areas of interest, the lunch session will feature a special twist allowing attendees to explore a topic of interest while they dine: A topical expert at each table will lead a discussion. This format allows in-depth Q&A for attendees on a variety of wind topics.
The forum agenda is designed to appeal to a broad array of Michigan wind stakeholders, including landowners, county officials, rural bankers, agricultural producers, policy makers, manufacturers, developers, educators, researchers, advocates, utilities, economic development specialists, energy specialists, government officials, analysts, and regulatory personnel.
Source: AWEA