Wind energy systems use the wind to turn a set of aerodynamic blades attached to an electric generator or turbine. When the wind blows, the blades turn, spinning a shaft that creates electricity in a generator. Wind turbines that are being manufactured have power ratings ranging from 250 to 2,000,000 watts (2 MW). For example, Traverse City Light and Power has a 600 kW (600,000 watts) wind generator that provides power for approximately 200 households. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has estimated that Michigan has a potential for development of 16, 560 MW. Report of the Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council (October 1, 2010) Letter to Governer from Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth - GLOW Council Report Trasmittal Letter (October 7, 2010) Resources for Wind Projects in Local Michigan Communities The U.S. Department of Energy provides Michigan with a grant to operate a State Energy Office. A recent Executive Order (2011-4) transferred the State Energy Office to the Michigan Strategic Fund (MEDC) and renamed it the Michigan Energy Office (MEO). Under the leadership of Steve Bakkal, MEDC Integration Director - Michigan Energy Office, the new MEO will augment MEDC's internal and energy-related capacity and capabilities by providing energy efficiency and renewable energy resource development to Michigan's residents, businesses and public institutions.

Small At-Home Wind Information

• Earthtronics: Wind in a box (June 23, 2008)
• Residential Wind Turbine Information - AWEA
• Rooftop Wind Energy System - Swift

Wind Energy Initiatives in Neighboring Communities:

Tuscola County, Michigan - Wind Energy:

• Tuscola County Wind Energy Program
  Website dedicated to the use of Wind Energy in Tuscola County, Michigan.
  

• Wind Towers Installed in Tuscola County
  Two wind farms have been built in the Thumb area, both built by private companies. Now the groundwork has been laid for the first public utility wind farm. Article by WJRT-TV12 News.