Hydro power combined with wind power?

The electric grid in Mason and Oceana counties is attractive due to the Ludington Pumped Storage Power Plant and the 345 kV transmission lines that serve it. The proximity to the plant materially contributes to the viability of the Aegir Project. An offshore wind farm could be utilized to recharge the giant “battery” that is the Pumped Storage Plant—the energy produced by the offshore wind turbines could supply the off- peak power required to fill the plant’s water reservoir.

The plant and the offshore wind farm could combine to deliver renewable, baseload energy to the grid. This concept has been the basis for an offshore wind development by Scandia Wind Offshore’s Norwegian partner, Havgul Clean Energy. This complementary energy model would require agreements between the two projects, and such agreements do not exist today.

Additionally, the existence of three 345 kV transmission lines and accompanying equipment in the vicinity enhances the technical features of the selected area. There are also discussions underway and studies being performed for further transmission infrastructure buildout—a 765 kV transmission line across the State of Michigan and a larger line from Wisconsin, across Lake Michigan, to the Ludington Pump Storage Power Plant (see maps below). Available capacity in all the aforementioned transmission lines and facilities require further review and loadflow analysis.

The Ludington Pumped Storage Power Plant and the extensive grid infrastructure (345 kV transmission lines) could be utilized to support a large offshore wind farm.

Ludington: 345 kV Transmission Lines

Proximity to major load centers (heavy energy consumption areas – Detroit, Chicago)