Wyandotte is looking to take advantage of the holy trinity of alternative energy generation: wind, water and sun. The latest project will capitalize on the former of those three now that the city is looking to build wind turbines along the Detroit River.
The city is planning to erect five wind turbines that could cost between $13 and $15 million. However, when complete each turbine could produce enough electricity to power 500 homes each year. That's a big-time payoff for a large investment.
"We want to demonstrate that you don't need to be in the middle of a field in Minnesota to make this work," says Jim French, assistant to the general manager for Wyandotte Municipal Services. "We want to show that this is viable in an urban and brownfield setting."
So far the city, which owns its own utility company, has spent $300,000 (mostly U.S. Department of Energy money) to study the proposal for the last year. The idea is to reduce the city's carbon footprint and bolster the city's reputation as a leader in developing alternative energy sources.
The wind turbines would be built at the BASF plant, two at the Wyandotte Shores Golf Course and two more on city-owned property at 8th Street and Central Avenue. The construction time would be to start late next year and have them installed within six months, which would put it in early 2010.
Source: Jim French, assistant to the general manager for Wyandotte Municipal Services
Writer: Jon Zemke
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