Input?
OK, I finally have a moment to work on this group page!! I wanted to add us to MyNorth so that we can have some community input, ideas, inspirations....
Most of our up-to-date info is posted on our blog page: windempire.blogspot.com, but I will try to host a free-flowing discussion of the development of alternative energy project that are locally owned (!) on this page. The Empire Renewable Energy Committee meeting's focus right now has been wind energy possibilities, as this is our most ample renewable resource in the area.
Its exciting! The potential to utilize wind energy to offset out local energy uses, as well as pollution, is enormous! Right now about 85% of Michigan's energy is imported in the form of coal, and our dollars are exported out of state in the billions. At the same time, Glen Arbor and Empire Townships fall in the top 12 areas for wind energy development in the state (GA being #4). Lets start generating our own electricity, that does not pollute our lakes, that does not contribute to climate change, and that pumps money back into our community!
Before any assumptions: we are not talking about the sprawling wind farms that you see out west. The kind of wind energy development that will work best for us are small community owned projects, or 'community wind'. These are small utility scale projects (1-5 turbines in our case) that are owned by local residents. In this way, decisions are made with direct community involvement and the economic benefits stay in the community.
So let us know your ideas, concerns, and any inspirations you may have!
Most of our up-to-date info is posted on our blog page: windempire.blogspot.com, but I will try to host a free-flowing discussion of the development of alternative energy project that are locally owned (!) on this page. The Empire Renewable Energy Committee meeting's focus right now has been wind energy possibilities, as this is our most ample renewable resource in the area.
Its exciting! The potential to utilize wind energy to offset out local energy uses, as well as pollution, is enormous! Right now about 85% of Michigan's energy is imported in the form of coal, and our dollars are exported out of state in the billions. At the same time, Glen Arbor and Empire Townships fall in the top 12 areas for wind energy development in the state (GA being #4). Lets start generating our own electricity, that does not pollute our lakes, that does not contribute to climate change, and that pumps money back into our community!
Before any assumptions: we are not talking about the sprawling wind farms that you see out west. The kind of wind energy development that will work best for us are small community owned projects, or 'community wind'. These are small utility scale projects (1-5 turbines in our case) that are owned by local residents. In this way, decisions are made with direct community involvement and the economic benefits stay in the community.
So let us know your ideas, concerns, and any inspirations you may have!
