The winds in western Washtenaw County in Michigan will be tested for clean energy production over the next year, beginning with construction of a 26-story meteorological tower at Chrysler LLC's Chelsea Proving Grounds.
Energy experts from the county, the University of Michigan and the consulting firm North Coast Wind and Power will monitor high-level winds at the site to determine if they are suitable for generating electricity.
A study by Washtenaw County found that the area around Chrysler's Proving Grounds has the greatest potential for developing wind energy in the county.
‘I think that today it's incumbent on the board of commissioners, and really on any political body, to take the issues of environmental change and economic impact very seriously,’ says Jeff Irwin, Washtenaw County board chairman. ‘This testing will give us the necessary information to help us look forward with ideas and hope for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels in the future.’
If the study yields favorable results, Chrysler will investigate the potential to construct turbines on its Proving Grounds property. Additionally, the county would explore its options to further advance wind power in the area near the Chelsea Proving Grounds.
