Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Vision
In early 2008, the Cuyahoga County Board of County Commissioners approved a $1,041,454 contract with
JW Great Lakes Wind, LLC (JWGL) to examine the legal, technical, environmental, economic, and financial aspects of developing a Great Lakes Wind Energy Center.
The Center is envisioned to include both an off-shore wind energy generating demonstration project of several turbines in Lake Erie to produce 5-20 megawatts, as well as a research center for the development and monitoring of new wind technologies and designs optimized for the challenges of offshore applications.
The feasibility study will recommend whether or not to proceed with the development of the Great Lakes Wind Energy Center – and if so, how to fund and implement its development. The study will provide a conceptual design for the offshore turbines, including the technical function and scope of the site. The feasibility study is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2009.
Feasibility Study
The Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study indicates that it is feasible to develop an offshore demonstration wind turbine project in Lake Erie. Cuyahoga County and the Great Lakes Energy Task Force will utilize the Feasibility Study to establish a wind-energy cluster for Northern Ohio.
JWGL assembled a team of world-class consultants to examine the geological, ecological, historical, legal, community and financial feasibility of installing wind turbines in Lake Erie and developing an affiliated applied research and development center. The final report presents a summary of results from the Feasibility Study across a variety of technical and economic disciplines following a one year study period.
The final report indicates that a Pilot Project is technically and environmentally feasible, pending further studies of selected issues, approvals by regulatory agencies, and solutions to make the project more economically viable.
The Task Force collaborated with six local entities to fund for the Feasibility Study. Funding contributors include The Cleveland Foundation, The Fund for Our Economic Future via NorTech, the City of Cleveland, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, Case Western Reserve University and Cuyahoga County.
Additional Resources:
Feasibility Study Fact Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Press Release
Great Lakes Wind Network
Contact:
Avian Risk Assessment Report
The avian risk assessment evaluates available literature and data to assess the potential effects of offshore wind turbines on birds in the identified Project area in Lake Erie. The assessment includes important bird information such as breeding, spring and fall migration, habitat, literature on avian interactions with offshore wind-energy development, select data from onshore projects and relevant avian profile data at the Project site. The report makes recommendations for minimizing potential avian impacts.
Conclusions drawn from a single report are strictly preliminary. Please direct questions regarding the Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study to Ryan Miday at
p4rm1@cuyahogacounty.us or (216) 299-9326.
This report provides the technical feasibility analysis and recommendations of interconnecting the project to the existing electrical grid. Conclusions drawn from a single report are strictly preliminary. Please direct questions regarding the Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study to Ryan Miday at
p4rm1@cuyahogacounty.us or (216) 299-9326.
This report provides conceptual cable design options, subsea shorelink electrical connection, and onshore electrical connection for the proposed Lake Erie offshore wind demonstration project. Conclusions drawn from a single report are strictly preliminary. Please direct questions regarding the Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study to Ryan Miday at
p4rm1@cuyahogacounty.us or (216) 299-9326.
The Wind Resource Assessment is just one of several studies within the Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study. This report contains findings from the first part of a two-part wind resource study. Part two will be complete in December 2008. Conclusions drawn from a single report are strictly preliminary. Please direct questions regarding the Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study to Ryan Miday at
p4rm1@cuyahogacounty.us or (216) 299-9326.
The Geological and Geotechnical Desktop Study is just one of several studies within the Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study. Conclusions drawn from a single report are strictly preliminary. Please direct questions regarding the Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study to Ryan Miday at
p4rm1@cuyahogacounty.us or (216) 299-9326.
The Ecological Desktop Study is just one of several studies within the Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study. Conclusions drawn from a single report are strictly preliminary. Please direct questions regarding the Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study to Ryan Miday at
p4rm1@cuyahogacounty.us or (216) 299-9326.
More information about the Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study:
Q&A: Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study