Wind Turbines On Lake Erie a Reasonable Solution

A recent article on Cleveland.com talks about six wind turbines that are being planned for use on Lake Erie. One of the main concerns is the ice that forms on the lake during the winter month. Many critics believe the ice would certainly destroy any turbine that is erected. An international engineering firm recently reported that they would not need steel or concrete foundations for the turbines but would only need a similar set up to a turbine that is constructed on land. This would include a large diameter pole that would be driven 80 feet into sand, clay and glacial material before being fixed on top of the shale bedrock. Each turbine would have “proven technology that would protect it from crushing ice floes that critics have predicted would destroy any freshwater wind turbines.” The turbine towers could also have a positive impact on fishing and could help push oxygen into some of the lakes dead zones.

Construction of the turbines are scheduled to begin in spring 2017.