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Michigan Wind Map
Wind potential map identifies
"outstanding" potential for wind power.
Michigan Wind Power Potential Map. Offshore
red-shaded areas have "outstanding" potential for wind power
generation
Map Source: United States Department of
Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
View Wind Potential Maps for Your State
Wind to Electricity to Hydrogen
It's true that the wind doesn't blow
everywhere all the time, but it is becoming increasingly clear that all of our
energy systems are becoming hybrid systems. That is, an integrated mixture of
energy sources. Wind power will be part of the "hydrogen economy."
One way to store energy for times when the wind doesn't blow is to use
available wind to generate electricity, then use the electricity to split the
water molecule, H2O, which produces hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can then
be used as a fuel in fuel cells or other more conventional combustion
processes. The oxygen could be sold and used for a variety of medical and
industrial uses.
Imagine, electricity and fuel from wind and
water! No greenhouse gases, no smog, no foreign dependence, no hassles with
OPEC, no hazardous waste.
As the wind power state maps linked above
indicate, there is great opportunity for us to harness the wind, not only in
Michigan but throughout the United States. It's up to citizens to support the
necessary investment and development of this technology. The technology is
really pretty simple, the real issue is making the choice to go renewable.
Granhlom Initiative
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has proposed investing $2 billion to support
leading-edge industries, one of which is renewable energy. Provided the money
is spent effectively, this could be an excellent investment for Michigan, where
there's plenty of wind and water (not so much sun).
Recommended Links
American Wind Energy Association
Existing and Planned State Wind Projects
Keywords: Michigan wind energy, potential,
renewable energy, wind turbines, wind farms
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