MAREC seeks partners for offshore wind study project

MUSKEGON, Mich. — Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC) — in partnership with the University of Michigan and its Phoenix Energy Institute — are seeking funding partners to develop an offshore research platform and wind assessment meteorological tower installation. 

MAREC is inviting proposals from interested developers or investors to serve as the design/build partner on the project to install and operate a meteorological tower and research platform and collect offshore wind and related research data.

"Through this project, we hope to establish a single offshore structure in Lake Michigan that will allow us to collect year-round wind data and other related information," said MAREC executive director Arn Boezaart. "This research will provide the scientific data needed to help advance the future development of utility-scale wind power generation in the Great Lakes."   
 
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.

MAREC has posted a complete request for the proposal on its website at www.gvsu.edu/marec, under the "Offshore Wind RFP" button.

About the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center
Located at 200 Viridian Drive in the Muskegon SmartZone, MAREC opened in 2003 with a mission to serve as a catalyst for economic development, a business accelerator and center for research, development and the commercialization of alternative and renewable energy technologies. MAREC is not only a business incubator and research and development center for alternative and renewable energy technologies, but also serves as a major demonstration project of those technologies. The MAREC facility is certified LEED Gold. MAREC 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.