By: Deborah Johnson Wood
As the possibilities for harnessing wind energy as a viable renewable energy source and job provider sweep across West Michigan, local governments face the challenges of establishing zoning ordinances that regulate the use of residential and commercial wind turbines.
A Wind Energy Symposium, developed by the Ottawa County Planning Commission and the Michigan State University Extension office, aims to offer solutions for local leaders and residents.
“Local governments have been approached by individuals wanting to put up turbines to power subdivisions and individual homes,” says Mark Knudsen, Ottawa County director of planning. “Most ordinances townships put in place focus on large wind farms, and don’t deal with wind turbines for personal use. After the symposium, the Ottawa County Planning Department will prepare a model ordinance for local units of governments to incorporate into their local ordinances in full or in part.”
The free symposium will help determine which types of turbines are best for commercial and residential use, how a turbine works, the effects of large wind farms, how to sell power back to utility companies, costs, installation, maintenance and potential paybacks.
Presentations by wind energy experts, including Michael Ford of Cascade Engineering, Dr. Steve Harsh, MSU professor of agriculture economics and Dave Koster of Holland Board of Public Works, will cover the variety of wind energy applications, safety and siting.
“This symposium is the first in a series,” Knudsen says. “This fall we’ll have others exploring solar energy, befouls, and geothermal energy.”
The Wind Energy Symposium will be June 5, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus St. Participants may arrive at 6:30 to view vendor displays.
For more information, click here.
Source: Mark Knudsen, Ottawa County Planning and Grants; Michigan State University Extension
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Deborah Johnson Wood is the development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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