Wind Energy

Michigan Siting Guidelines for Wind Energy Systems

INTRODUCTION

These guidelines have been developed by the Energy Office, Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth to assist local governments to develop siting requirements for wind energy systems. These guidelines are not intended to apply in urban areas that already have height, noise, setback and other requirements that can be applied to wind energy systems. These guidelines have been developed with the intention of striking an appropriate balance between the need for clean, renewable energy resources and the necessity to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. The guidelines represent recommended zoning language for local governments to use if they amend their zoning ordinance to address wind energy systems. The Energy Office, DLEG has no authority to issue regulations related to siting wind energy systems.

Electricity generation is responsible for 36% of carbon dioxide pollution, 64% of sulfur dioxide pollution, 26% of nitrogen oxide pollution, and 34% of mercury pollution in the U.S. Electricity generation from clean, renewable energy resources will reduce air pollution, increase the fuel diversity of our electric system, save natural resources, and provide a hedge against increases in the price of fossil fuels used for electric generation.

Different requirements are recommended for On Site Use (generally small) and Utility Grid (generally large) wind energy systems. On Site Use wind energy systems are sized to primarily serve the needs of a home, farm, or small business. Usually there is a single turbine – in contrast to a large, utility-scale wind farm that may include dozens or even hundreds of turbines. Utility Grid wind energy systems are sized to provide power to wholesale or retail customers using the electric utility transmission and distribution grid to transport and deliver the wind generated electricity. On Site Use wind energy systems can have towers up to 40 meters and Utility Grid wind energy systems can have towers up to 90 meters.

The guidelines have been developed with input from members of the Michigan Wind Working Group. The members of the Michigan Wind Working Group have not endorsed these guidelines. Professor Robert Fletcher, Ph.D. and Daniel Alberts, graduate student from Lawrence Technological University helped in the development of these guidelines by providing briefings on technical issues related to siting. Mr. Alberts also helped by conducting a modified Delphi study related to wind energy siting issues.

For the Delphi study final report see: www.ltu.edu/engineering/mechanical/delphi_wind.asp.

Comments or questions are welcome and should be directed to John Sarver, Energy Office at 517-241-6280 or jhsarve@michigan.gov.

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