$1.4 million grant supports GVSU/U-M wind assessment study

MUSKEGON, Mich. — The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $1,427,250 grant to Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC) for an assessment project to collect offshore wind and related research data.

The project is a partnership between MAREC and the University of Michigan’s Phoenix Energy Institute. The project has secured $3.1 million in grants and research funds, including a $1.36 million energy efficiency grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission. The project will establish a single offshore structure in Lake Michigan that will allow the collection year-round wind data and other related information. This data will assist in evaluating the economic viability as well as the societal and environmental impact of an offshore wind industry.

“This grant is instrumental in helping Grand Valley and University of Michigan scientists conduct important research, which will provide sound scientific data needed to help develop a better understanding of offshore wind and other environmental conditions,” said MAREC executive director Arn Boezaart. “The offshore wind assessment project will also contribute to a greater understanding of the state and federal permitting and regulatory requirements that will govern the future development of offshore utility-scale wind power generation in the Great Lakes."

About the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center
The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center is located at 200 Viridian Drive in the Muskegon SmartZone. The center opened in 2003 with a mission to serve as a catalyst for economic development, a business accelerator and center for research, development and commercialization of alternative and renewable energy technologies. MAREC also serves as a demonstration site for alternative and renewable energy technologies. The facility is certified LEED Gold and includes 2,000 square-feet of open business incubator space and 2,000 square-feet of secure laboratory space. For more information contact MAREC at (616) 331-6905.

About Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University, established in 1960, is a four-year public university. It attracts more than 24,400 students with its high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Grand Valley provides a fully accredited liberal undergraduate and graduate education and has campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids and Holland, and centers in Muskegon and Traverse City. Grand Valley is a comprehensive university serving students from all 83 Michigan counties and dozens of other states and foreign countries. Grand Valley offers 77 undergraduate and 28 graduate degree programs. The university is dedicated to individual student achievement, going beyond the traditional classroom experience, with research opportunities and business partnerships. Grand Valley employs more than 1,700 people and is committed to providing a fair and equitable environment for the continued success of all.