State approves grants for wind technology research

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved two grants totaling about $1.7 million for studying the development of offshore wind technologies in the state.

Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center and the University of Michigan's Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute are getting $1.3 million for jointly researching offshore wind and ice data on Lake Michigan.

The Superior Watershed Partnership is to receive $350,000 for researching sites' wind energy potential on Lake Michigan. The organization also will assess public opinion on offshore wind development.

The commission is an agency within the state's Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.