One of the developers of the 21MW Icebreaker offshore wind farm on Lake Erie in the US is working with the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR) at the University of Michigan on projects of mutual interest.
The Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) and CIGLR will share scientific data, access to offshore platforms and research to monitor and understand large scale processes on Lake Erie.
CIGLR is comprised of 21 research organisations and the US National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
The collaboration will allow CIGLR members to propose projects to conduct scientific analysis and research on Lake Erie in and around the wind farm project site.
Traditionally, researchers have to remove sensors and buoys from the lake in the winter and redeploy them in the spring due to ice, LEEDCo said.
But using LEEDCo’s investment in offshore infrastructure, the scientists will be able to deploy sensors and collect data all year round.
“This is an ideal complement to Icebreaker’s commitment, for at least five years, of post-construction monitoring of aquatic life and water quality,” LEEDCo said.
LEEDCo president Lorry Wagner said: “Our mission here goes beyond simply generating clean energy.
“All of our Great Lakes are vital, immense resources for both people and wildlife. From day one, our mission has been to protect them and advance science to keep this region healthy for generations to come.
“This data-sharing collaborative will give us the opportunity to work side by side with the research community to design the most advanced lake monitoring system in the Great Lakes.”
LEEDCo is developing the Icebreaker project together with Fred Olsen Renewables.
The wind farm is awaiting final approval by the Ohio Power Siting Board.