April 23, 2019
Michigan

Company cancels plans for wind farm with 49 turbines in Michigan’s UP

By Benjamin Raven | Apr 22, www.mlive.com

Plans calling for a wind farm featuring 49 turbines in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have been called off due to multiple delays in the planning stages, among other reasons.

The Associated Press reports that Renewable Energy Systems will not pursue its wind farm it had planned for L’Anse Township in Baraga County. The company stated that the project didn’t make sense financially or logistically anymore, according to A,P.

Originally, the company planned a facility featuring at least 49 turbines standing about 500-feet tall.

“After careful review of several factors, RES has decided to discontinue to development of the Summit Lake Wind project,” Sean Stocker, the project’s manager, said in a press release according to WBUP-TV in Ishpeming.

“We have enjoyed working with the local community and want to thank all of the landowners and supporters of the Summit Lake Wind project.”

The project was opposed by some in the area, including the Friends of the Huron Mountains group which was active in speaking out against the project.

The Daily Mining Gazette reports that the project faced a May 7 referendum that would focus on zoning changes, which will still be held as scheduled. The change originally passed back in October would allow wind turbines to be built on commercial forest land.

According to the newspaper, this May 7 referendum will look to overturn the township zoning board’s decision.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2019/04/23/company-cancels-plans-for-wind-farm-with-49-turbines-in-michigans-up/