Chrysler and Washtenaw County Collaborate to Test Winds for Clean Energy Production

-- Washtenaw County energy initiative to study winds' potential for clean energy

-- 26-Story (264-foot) meteorological test tower sited at Chrysler Chelsea

Proving Grounds

-- 12- to 18-month test will determine future of wind energy in Western Washtenaw County

-- University of Michigan atmospheric scientists lend expertise to the project

CHELSEA, Mich., March 18 -- The winds in western Washtenaw County will be tested for clean energy production over the next year, beginning with construction of a 26-story meteorological tower at Chrysler LLC's Chelsea Proving Grounds this week.

Over the next 12-18 months, energy experts from the county, the University of Michigan and the consulting firm, North Coast Wind and Power, will monitor high-level winds at the site to determine if they are suitable for generating electricity.

A study by Washtenaw County found that the area around Chrysler's Proving Grounds has the greatest potential for developing wind energy in the county.

"I think that today it's incumbent on the Board of Commissioners, and really on any political body, to take the issues of environmental change and economic impact very seriously. This testing will give us the necessary information to help us look forward with ideas and hope for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels in the future," said Board Chair Jeff Irwin.

"Chrysler is committed to reducing our impact on the environment, both through conservation and use of alternative, clean energy," said Deborah Morrissett, Vice President -- Regulatory Affairs at Chrysler. "This project is another opportunity for us to be part of a clean energy future."

While much of the potential wind power in the State is along the coasts, state-wide wind models show that significantly high wind speeds can be expected at the elevations to be tested by the tower. However, no actual measurements have been taken to confirm the predictions of the wind models, said Joshua Long, Energy Coordinator for the County Department of Planning and Environment.

"Once we collect the necessary data, our consultants will produce an investment grade report which will detail exactly what kinds of wind installations are economically feasible based on how much wind there is at various heights," Long said.

The study of Washtenaw County wind energy potential, along with other related documents, is available at www.ewashtenaw.org/wind .

If the study yields favorable results, Chrysler will investigate the potential to construct turbines on its Proving Grounds property. Additionally, the County would explore its options to further advance wind power in the area near the proving grounds.

"We are pleased to provide the location for the first test of wind energy potential in this region of the county," said Jeffrey Zyburt, Director of Chrysler's Proving Grounds.

"For us, this is really a community project, because we know there are other locations in the neighborhood that may also benefit from this study. This is an exciting project."

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