Op-Ed: The Great Lakes Could Be a Key Source of Wind Energy

In an op-ed in Governing, researchers Cora Sutherland and Melissa Scanlan highlight the potential of the Great Lakes as a source of wind energy. As the authors explain, “the states, not the federal government, handle leases and permits for wind power on the Great Lakes, though federal agencies are involved in the overall process.”

According to the piece, “A 2023 analysis from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that the Great Lakes states have enough offshore wind power potential to provide three times as much electricity as all eight Great Lakes states use currently, which would mean plenty left over to meet increasing demand or send power elsewhere in the country.”

The authors outline the results of a research study that explored how conditions in the Great Lakes would affect energy production, what type of turbines would work best, and how wind turbines might affect migratory birds and fisheries. The authors conclude that “Despite all the unknowns, we encourage greater support for research to harness the potential of offshore wind energy in the Great Lakes to be a renewable resource for states, the region and the nation as a whole.”