Overview

Worldwide demand for wind systems has significantly outpaced supply in recent years, presenting entrepreneurs with opportunities in a rapidly expanding market. Despite supply constraints, sales of wind turbines are expected to rise at an average of 25 percent per year for the next decade. Sales totaled roughly $20 billion in 2005.

The event will help solidify new partnerships while energizing business enterprises, informing policymakers and making progress toward achieving Michigan's goals of economic development, sustainability, and energy independence.

Although Michigan is blessed with a highly skilled engineering and production workforce there are no wind system suppliers located in the state, and Michigan has only a few utility-scale wind systems in place. As a result, manufacturers, investors, land use planners, politicians, and decision makers are uncertain about how to make reasonable decisions regarding wind development in Michigan.

Topics

- Manufacturing Opportunities for Michigan Companies
- World-Wide Demand for Wind System Components
- Michigan Wind Energy Research
- Michigan's Manufacturing/Engineering Capacity
- Siting of Wind Systems in Michigan
- Offshore Potential
- Great Lakes Challenges
- Community Wind - Smaller Utility-scale Systems Manufacturing Sector Growth Models: Lessons from European Leaders