Several developers have shown an interest in building wind turbines offshore in Lake Michigan to address the growing need for clean energy in Wisconsin.

The three developers have yet to submit formal plans for the project. A study group including the Board of Commissioners of Public Land, the Public Service Commission, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently formed to discuss the topic.

The energy produced by wind turbines is seen as a cheap, clean, and renewable resource and the number of land-based turbines is growing across Wisconsin. Wind turbines placed in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior could become an important new energy source for Wisconsin, although they would cost millions to build.

Wisconsin is not the only place that has a growing wind turbine industry.  Germany, Ireland, Denmark, and the Netherlands are already employing offshore wind farms to produce energy. No such offshore turbines exist yet in the United States. But this could change soon. Two specific proposals are in the works to begin building wind turbines in Lake Michigan.

The first proposal, by Radial Wind, endeavors to place 390 turbines roughly 18 miles east of Milwaukee in Lake Michigan. However, William Golden, an energy engineer and real estate developer from Northbrook Illinois, points out that technology has not reached the level where turbines can function in 200 feet of water.

Because of this predicament the project, which is planed to be stationed in deep waters, is currently on hold. Developers are trying to come up with workable solutions.

The second project would be located closer to shore. A proposal by Ewindfarm, Inc. of California, calls for 610 turbines that would stretch from Kewaunee to Kenosha. These plans and related documents were recently submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for review.

If these projects are successful, they could spark new development of wind turbines across the Untied States. Proponents say this would mean a reduction in the amount of fossil fuels used, resulting in less green house gases and cleaner air. 

Sources: [The Capital Times]