How are projects initially sited?
| The first step is to look at the Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s Turbine Placement Favorability Map to begin delineating areas attractive for offshore wind development. The map indicates areas in Lake Erie that the regulators at ODNR deem more or less suitable for installing wind turbines. Additional information can be found at: http://www.ohiodnr.com/LakeErie/WindEnergyRules/tabid/21234/Default.aspx#Summary Once a potential site has been selected, and has gotten some degree of favorable feedback from ODNR, more detailed efforts (such as geo-technical engineering) can begin to ensure that the placement of turbines will be acceptable. |
Have shipwrecks been taken into account when siting the initial project?
| Yes. Ohio’s Turbine Favorability Placement Map uses shipwrecks as a weighting factor for considering siting limitations. Beyond this initial indicator, lake bed surveys are completed in advance before construction commences. Such considerations will continue for subsequent projects.
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If each turbine is 4 MW, wouldn’t there be thousands of turbines in the lake?
| It is highly improbable that even 20% of the Lake will ever be utilized for wind energy. While an (2010) analysis from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory indicates that there is 46,000 MW potential in Lake Erie, this is only a theoretical maximum potential for Lake Erie. It should be noted that turbine sizes are increasing, which implies fewer turbines to be installed for a given number of megawatts of power generation capacity to be achieved. |
What is the depth of the initial site?
| The initial project is located where water depth is approximately 60 feet. For matters considering subsequent projects, please utilize the Ohio Turbine Placement Favorability Map with the Bathymetry line layer. |
What are the various permits that must be acquired in the siting process?
| A Submerged Land Lease, contracted from Ohio Department of Natural Resources. |
What parts of Lake Erie will be considered for deployment?
| LEEDCo can only speak to its member counties: Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Lorain, and Lake. LEEDCo has not yet begun identifying sites for subsequent projects. However, it anticipates focusing its efforts on sites that are deemed most favorable by ODNR. The Western Basin of Lake Erie has more limitations against wind farm development (e.g., avian issues, fish habitat, sport fishery efforts) and is not an area of consideration at present by LEEDCo (or, to LEEDCo’s knowledge, other parties). |
What is the minimum distance from shore turbines will be placed?
| Beyond aesthetics, locating turbines further offshore make sense due to increased wind speed and hence greater productivity/yield from the turbines. LEEDCo’s first project is about 7 miles offshore and anticipates other projects to be further offshore, not closer to shore.
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How far apart are turbines spaced?
| Wind farms typically use turbines with rotor diameters of about 350 feet. New research suggests that placing the wind turbines a mile or more apart -- more than twice as far apart as in previous layouts – optimizes the economics of an offshore wind farm. Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-01/jhu-syb012011.php |
What is the regulatory process for siting offshore power generating facilities?
| In order to gain site control for a project area in Lake Erie, it is necessary to acquire a Submerged Land Lease via the ODNR in conjunction with the Ohio Power Siting Board – a part of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. For an extensive list of siting factors please visit: http://www.puc.state.oh.us/emplibrary/files/legal/rules/chapters/4906-17.doc
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Does the Ohio Historical Society hold Lake Erie in the public trusts and evaluate who has the right to use the lake for commercial development?
| The role of OHS is to make sure the cultural heritage of any Great Lake state is protected according to the terms of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). LEEDCo and its partners are abiding by all provisions of NEPA, by fulfilling an Environmental Assessment including review by all relevant stakeholders, including OHS.
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