A Feasibility Study of Wind Power on Lake Michigan: Economic, Political, Cultural, and Environmental Barriers

Abstract

The Great Lakes present vast potential for wind energy generation, yet no offshore wind projects on the lakes are in operation. This article examines the feasibility of offshore wind development on Lake Michigan and questions the potential barriers -- political, economic, environmental, and cultural -- through an interview and assessment of policies relevant to offshore wind development on Lake Michigan. Results indicate that political barriers hold the greatest influence over offshore wind development, followed by economic, cultural, and environmental barriers. Current legislation is not supportive of offshore wind development on Lake Michigan. Though the project is deemed technologically feasible, there needs to be dramatic changes to policy and economic priorities as well as increased social approval to wind turbines for an offshore wind project on Lake Michigan to be successfully implemented.