Interested Parties/Stakeholders

Local/Regional

The stakeholders for the Aegir Project are many. Beginning with the public in the Mason, Oceana, Muskegon and Ottawa counties (and the Townships/Municipalities therein); the local support from the citizens living (and visiting) in the region is critical to an offshore wind park. The communities are invited to engage in regular dialog around the projects impacts – both positive and negative – throughout the development process. Scandia Wind Offshore’s staff is available to discuss the technical aspects of the wind farm as well as the compelling prospects for job creation.

The stakeholders list extends to the many groups having commercial and recreational use of the surrounding land and water: Native Tribes, tourists, cottage owners, business owners, fishermen/women, boaters, sunset viewers, nature lovers, etc.

Local and regional government officials have a prominent role in determining the pace of the process – advancing from the feasibility stage to the development stage is heavily influenced by their support and willingness to enter into a formal agreement.

State of Michigan

State government officials have been progressive and proactive in their approach to developing offshore wind energy. Michigan has a 10% Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to be met by 2015. Additionally, the Michigan Great Lakes Wind (GLOW) Council has been organized for the express purpose of advancing the development of offshore wind farm development in the State. This is an impressive group comprised of engineers, educators, environmental professionals, politicians, business development groups, government agencies, energy professionals, developers, and business owners.

The GLOW Council and the State of Michigan appear determined to remain leaders regarding offshore wind development in the Great Lakes. An interesting confluence of events in Michigan—an aging fleet of power plants, preparation for future energy needs, the RPS, and the prospect of significant job creation—combine to make offshore wind energy development an interesting business proposition for the local area and the state.

Federal

The first offshore wind farm in the Great Lakes could have a material national impact as well.

Who will be first in the U.S. Great Lakes?

There could be distinct advantages to being first with respect to developing a business hub to facilitate the growth—a business “cluster” could result—to serve the supply chain and services that accompany large wind farm developments. Who will get in position to lead the wind industry’s growth in the Great Lakes?

GLOW Report 09/01/09