MI Study: 537 Square Miles Of Great Lakes Suitable For Wind Turbines ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) - Michigan has at least 537 square miles of Great Lakes that are suitable for wind turbines.

The Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council says another seven thousand square miles might be available once the technology advances.

Skip Pruss is head of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth, and the Chairman of the Council.

He says Michigan could theoretically generate twelve times its current electric needs with turbines in the lakes.

"Now a lot of that power will not be available, frankly, because we can't place turbines next to coast lines and sensitive areas and navigation channels," he adds. "But at the end of the day and in the not-too distant future, there will be a lot of potential to develop a lot of wind energy in the Great Lakes."

Pruss says the state spends 25-billion dollars a year on imported coal and natural gas. He says it would be very beneficial for everyone if Michigan could make a portion of its own electricity with wind power.

And Michigan might be able to store large amounts of electricity generated by wind turbines in advanced lithium ion battery units. The state recently received half of the federal government's grants for developing advanced batteries.

Being able to store wind energy would make the intermittant electricity from turbines available on demand.

The Wind Council is due to disband soon. But Pruss wants the state legislature to authorize the Wind Council to set up a permitting process.

He says public hearings will happen across the state before any wind turbines go up in the Great Lakes. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio