• Wind Energy in Michigan

  • When you're ready to get your company connected to our alternative energy economic development programs, contact our Customer Assistance Center.

    MICHIGAN'S ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SECTOR COMMITMENT AND VALUE CHAIN

    With a strategic focus on manufacturing diversity, flexibility and innovation, Michigan has made a long term commitment to growth in alternative energy sectors and wind energy is a cornerstone of that strategic plan.

    Click here to view a map showing wind energy investments in Michigan.

  • RESOURCE NETWORK:

    Michigan is unmatched in its infrastructure of organizations and resources that support alternative energy growth and development. In addition to the state energy office, wind energy business consulting is available through MEDC’s network of strategic partners, experts and programs:
     

    University Research Corridor 

    Alliance of Michigan’s leading research institutions -- Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University -- dedicated to economic growth through business and university collaboration.
     

    NextEnergy 

    A statewide accelerator of alternative energy technologies in research, design, manufacturing, commercialization and education.
     

    Kinetik Partners 

    An experienced clean energy consulting firm specializing in technology commercialization for wind energy. 
     

    SmartZones - Business Accelerators and Technology Clusters 

    SmartZonesSM, Business Accelerators and Technology Clusters: Helping advanced manufacturing companies incubate and commercialize products.
     

    Oak Ridge National Laboratory

    Collaboration to help Michigan companies access intellectual property, staff and facilities of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Laboratory Network.
     

    Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center 

    Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center: Providing assessment, process improvement training, technical assistance and diversification tactics for small- and mid-sized manufacturers interested in growth.
     

    Centers of Energy Excellence 

    This Michigan Economic Development Corporation program promotes the development, acceleration and sustainability of energy excellence sectors in Michigan through competitive grant awards.

  • WIND INDUSTRY WORKFORCE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

    Michigan’s 15 public universities, 28 community colleges, and many independent educational institutions are continually enhancing and growing the state’s alternative energy curricula to train wind energy technicians, engineers and scientists. In addition to programs, Michigan is a partner to business for vast research and development resources.
    • Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC):
      As a part of their Wind Energy Center, KVCC’s Wind Turbine Technician Academy is the first program in the U.S. offering the internationally-recognized BZEE (Bildungszentrum für Erneuerbare Energien) Wind Turbine Technician credential. The federal government recently showed their support for the academy by awarding over half a million dollars to expand their training capacity and purchase specialized wind training equipment.

    • Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC): Wind Energy Training at GRCC
      Wind Safety Technician Training - In partnership with YES / Safety Technology, GRCC offers globally-recognized Wind Safety Technician Training. The initial training is an 80-hour safety certification program using the world’s leading wind safety equipment, systems and procedures. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a wind safety technician certification license which is recognized all over the world by the leading wind OEMs. This program is endorsed by major manufacturers of wind turbines. Beginning in 2010, additional programs for wind farm operations, monitoring and maintenance, as well as new global off-shore wind safety training are also scheduled to be launched at GRCC.

      Renewable Energy Composite Technician Training - Grand Rapids Community College has partnered with leaders in the composites industry to develop an 80-hour training program for renewable energy composite technicians. Upon completion of the program participants will receive a certification that qualifies individuals to work in the wind composite industry.

      Wind Logistics Specialist Training: GRCC and Rockford Bergé will offer various training for wind logistics on land and water.

    • Delta College:
      Delta College is known for its ability to quickly adapt to needs of the green workforce and economy. The college currently offers an associate degree program for wind technicians that includes training on duties of a wind turbine technician, including operating and maintaining giant wind turbine units, performing mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, as well as repair and preventative maintenance.
    • Lansing Community College:
      Lansing Community College is one of the first colleges in the nation to incorporate alternative energy into its curricula and to offer an Associate's Degree in Alternative Energy Engineering Technology, including a wind turbine technician certificate.
    • Michigan Institute of Aviation Technology:
      The Power Technology Institute (PTI) was created in response to the energy industry asking for more qualified technicians. PTI training provides hands-on, industry driven training including the building blocks for basic technical knowledge, terminology, equipment, tools, safety procedures, and professionalism needed in the power industry. MIAT recently purchased a new facility to expand and improve their classrooms, equipment and hands-on laboratory environment. Here, they will be able to house their aircraft, wind turbine blades, industrial turbines, electrical equipment and testing devices.

  • DEDICATED WIND ENERGY TEAM

    The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s cross-functional wind team streamlines the process to help you evaluate every aspect of locating or growing your business in Michigan. Whether its cutting red tape, packaging incentives or assisting with site selection, the Wind Team is your easy, one-stop resource.
    When you're ready to get your company connected to our alternative energy economic development programs, contact our Customer Assistance Center.