Job Creation

A Catalyst forEconomic Development

• Create 3,000-6,000 new jobs
• Attract industry supply chain and more jobs
• Diversify the regional manufacturing base
• Enhance West Michigan’s competitive position in the marketplace

Estimated Job Creation (based on previous projects):

• 3,500 man-years in the construction phase
• 100 direct jobs in the operational phase
• Potentially 3,000 jobs in turbine manufacturing/supply chain
• Local Jobs: Create jobs during construction and during operations (maintenance).
• Position the area to better compete in locating major OEM’s (Original Equipment
  Manufacturers) facilities, which in turn will attract industry supply chain and more jobs.
• Michigan Manufacturing Potential: Michigan ranks 4th among states for potential
  wind manufacturing jobs and ranks 14th among states for wind potential (source:  Pacific Northwest Laboratory). There are distinct advantages to being first with respect to developing a business and manufacturing hub to facilitate the growth—an industrial “cluster” could result to serve the supply chain and services that accompany large wind farm projects.

What Do Manufacturers Need:

• A region with a stable, electric market and long-term renewable energy goals
• Suitable sites for wind farms with sufficient transmission capacity
• Strong power purchase agreements with utilities
• Testing, research and development facilities
• Economic development incentives to establish manufacturing facilities
• Educational support to train new employees
• Prepare existing manufacturers for the criteria the wind industry will demand
  

The Aegir Project addresses the local communities’ and the state’s goals for both job creation and energy diversification.

Project goals are to develop, build and operate a 1,000 MW offshore wind farm in Lake Michigan and a 150 MW land-based project at the Wastewater Management System Site in Muskegon. The Aegir Project could assist in the development of the supply chain connected to the wind farm industry.  Operations and Maintenance (O&M) facilities would be located in Ottawa County. The Muskegon area has been established as a central role in the growth of renewable energy activities. The Aegir Project would also serve as a stepping stone for research facilities to increase wind knowledge for both universities and research facilities, such as the MAREC (Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center).

Supply Chain “Ripple Effect”

The Aegir Project can serve as a catalyst to generate manufacturing and supply chain fulfillment opportunities in West Michigan.  There is competition from other states in the region and Canada to secure market share in the wind industry.  Below are links and documents that speak to the opportunity for Michigan.

NextEnergy presentation on manufacturing/job opportunities

Michigan State's Economic Impact Study—Michigan RPS

Higher Education is preparing Michigan's workforce

Michigan’s component manufacturing opportunity

National Renewable Energy Lab Economic Development Report

U.S. and Foreign Wind Companies Create Good American Jobs