LANSING – Michigan has a high potential for wind and other alternative energy program and a substantial number of brownfield sites on which these projects could be located, according to a report released Tuesday by the Michigan State University Land Policy Institute.
The report, Potential Application of Renewable Energy on Brownfield Sites: A Case Study in Michigan, said the tax credits and other assistance for redeveloping those brownfield sites could ease the cost of developing the new power sources while at the same time the revenue from the new power could help in cleaning up and redeveloping the brownfields. The projects would also bring both construction and permanent jobs to the state.
The report also noted that most brownfield sites are closer to customers and grid connections than the farm fields and other sites that are currently being promoted, reducing the cost of providing power from the sites.
“The large number of brownfield sites, combined with the state’s generous incentives for brownfields redevelopment, create a prime opportunity to expand Michigan’s renewable energy capacity,” said Soji Adelaja, director of the institute. “Adapting such sites to renewable energy development does not require the costly environmental remediation necessary for other uses.”
The study estimated current brownfield sites in the state could generate 4,320 megawatts from wind and another 1,535 megawatts from solar panels placed between the wind turbines.
Those projects could generate a potential $15 billion investment and 17,500 jobs, the report said.
The plan would increase demand for the brownfield sites that has flagged in recent years with the downturn in the economy, the report said.
To make the projects happen, the report recommends changes to the current brownfield redevelopment guidelines that would allow alternative energy programs to move through faster. The state also should provide training to local officials and the public on alternative energy development.
While the report provided some baseline information on potential power generation, the researchers recommended that the state look more closely and comprehensively at each brownfield site to determine the most promising sites for energy development. The report found 2,946 brownfield sites around the state with sufficient average winds for power generation that would potentially hold 2,160 turbines. But the study did question the validity of the state and local data on how many of those sites were at least 10 acres, big enough for a turbine.
The report also found 3,262 sites that would be suitable for solar power installations and would hold some 383,819 arrays.
The wind projects, if all built, would generate $8.82 billion in initial investment and 2,162 construction jobs. Long-term, the sites would create 196 jobs.
The solar investment statewide could be $6.53 billion, creating 14,685 construction jobs and 475 permanent jobs.
Alternative energy could also be a stepping stone to other development, the report said. Once the site has been cleared for placing wind turbines and solar panels, it could then be more attractive for a higher use later.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation officials were still reviewing the proposal late Tuesday and so had no comment.
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