Michael and Tammy Buttigieg live the rustic Northern Michigan life.

Their log cabin home overlooks God’s country, where acres of trees nestle along a flowing creek.
On a recent afternoon, Michael hears the humming.

“It’s music to my ears,” Buttigieg said. “When you do hear it, it’s soothing.”

When the Buttigiegs made the move to Northern Michigan in 1998, their dream property was off the power grid. Instead of paying the power company close to $21,000 to install power lines, the environmentally conscious couple became their own energy company.

Buttigieg purchased and installed a $22,000 wind turbine generator. The couple utilized tax breaks to install an $8,000 solar energy panel system. Currently they use about 300kw of energy a month.
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In the next year, the Buttigiegs’ system will pay for itself.

“They called us the high tech pioneers of the area,” Michael said.

South of East Jordan in a Traverse City industrial park, Bill Queen’s office space is a lab where tradesmen build and test a geothermal system and students produce biodiesel fuels.

The Michigan Energy Demonstration Center promotes the creation of educational campaigns about renewable energy resources and trains the workforce in renewable energy technology efficiency (see story on the center).

Nationally and statewide there is a movement to research and implement more renewable energy resources. After gas prices surged and heating bills hit record highs in 2006, renewable energy is in the spotlight again.

Governor Jennifer Granholm is touting statewide renewable energy opportunities. She appointed a commission to create a state plan to increase production and research of ethanol, biodiesel and other alternative fuels as early as summer 2007.

“Think big; think Michigan on the cover of Newsweek,” Granholm said to the press.

But before Michigan can jump on the renewable energy bandwagon, there are several questions and barriers. There are public policy, regulatory, financial and technology questions. In a state focused on jump-starting the auto industry, where does Northern Michigan fit into the renewable energy equation?

This energy feature will look at area cities, municipalities, grassroots campaigns, and individuals who are making efforts to implement new energy practices. The stories will highlight the senator who pays more for wind energy and sponsored an energy bill to provide tax breaks for renewable energy businesses and even a couple in their 90s who decided it was time to convert to geothermal power.

For the people of Northern Michigan, the energy debate is one taking place every time they flip on the light switch or fill up their gas tanks.

Some people believe it costs too much to switch to renewable sources and others say the time has come.

“We as a society have to decide how much we want to invest in the paradigm of energy,” said Queen, the program coordinator for extended educational services at the center.

Turbine city

Thousands of tourists visit area beaches, scenic vistas – and the Mackinaw City wind turbines.

“People stop by the side of the road and take pictures,” said Steve Schnell, Mackinaw City community development director. “People love the wind turbines.”

The pair of wind turbines generators installed in December 2001 produce electricity for 600 homes a year. The turbines represent Mackinaw City’s efforts to promote renewable energy alternatives.

The city recently conducted an energy efficiency audit, revealing how the city can save thousands of dollars. The city switched to LED Christmas lights in 2006. The lights use 10 percent of the energy used by the old lights and should save the city $25,000 in 10 years, Schnell said.

The village recently hosted a renewable energy conference with more than 100 attendees. The council also hosted a biodiesel forum for ferry owners.

“We have a progressive approach to energy,” Schnell said.

The city is the grant recipient of the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments ReBuild Michigan Energy program – to help educate business owners and regional local governments on energy efficiency and renewable energy implementation.

Schnell will also propose joining the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

More than 300 mayors and seven Michigan cities – Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Ferndale, Marquette, Berkley, Traverse City and Southfield – signed the climate agreement. Participating cities work toward enacting policies and programs to meet or surpass the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol – 7 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2012.

“Adopting it essentially requires towns to use energy far more efficiently, purchase at least some of it from sources other than coal and natural gas, and use transportation that requires less gasoline and diesel,” the Michigan Land Use Institute reported.

Traverse City commissioners unanimously signed the agreement Monday. Grassroots environmental groups may approach Charlevoix soon.

Traverse City is known for its progressive energy efforts. The city was the first to adopt wind energy, in 1996. Traverse City Light and Power has a 600 kilowatt (600,000 watts) wind generator that provides power for approximately 200 households.

The city commission also plans to purchase software to prepare an “emissions survey.”

The Traverse City area Beta transit system utilizes a percentage of biodiesel fuels.

Northwestern Michigan College also represents the state as a demonstration center for renewable energy. The college is expanding its renewable and alternative energy curriculum.

Neighboring communities are following Traverse City’s green trend.

Recently, Boyne City was recognized for its sustainable programs. Boyne City was named the first green community in Michigan.

City planner Dan Reed is preparing a master plan that includes ways to reduce energy usage and promote green practices.

“Planning is much more engaged in the environment,” Reed said. “The future of communities today are very environmentally conscious, recognizing how climate changes, loss of habitat and sprawl impacts our lives.”

Grassroots energy

In Charlevoix County, community members care.

Nearly a decade ago members of WATCH Inc., (Water and Air Team Charlevoix) held signs at the bridge as part of a campaign to reduce idling by turning off engines and decreasing exhaust emissions. WATCH recently distributed approximately 500 fluorescent lights.

Today the group formed the C.A.R.E. (Conservation And Renewable Energy) committee to educate the public about climate change and renewable energies. The committee is promoting an educational campaign encouraging individuals to make decisions to reduce energy consumption and pollution.

“People don’t know how simple it is to do their part to be part of the solution,” said Buttigieg, a C.A.R.E. member.

Members are also encouraging discussion and partnerships to encourage renewable energy development on a countywide level. The group is focusing its energy on solar and wind energy development and making energy audits readily available.

Michelle Rick-Biddick, a C.A.R.E. member, plans to educate and challenge area municipalities to join the mayors’ climate exchange.

“I feel because we are such a jewel of the north it is imperative that we get involved in preserving this area and its natural resources,” Rick-Biddick said.

Like-minded Charlevoix students are proposing ways to save energy. In ecology and biology classes, students study greenhouse gases, in civics classes students debate public policy.

Recently, Charlevoix government students proposed bills to Michigan senators and representatives promoting wind turbine generators and solutions to curtail global warming during the Michigan House Civics Institute in Lansing.

Government students Mia Matchett, Samantha Shull, Alanah Muma, and Jennifer Rich proposed the placement of a list of pro-environmental suggestions on how to stop global warming on all government documents, including, for example, drivers license renewal forms and postal notices.

The team plans to make a presentation to the school board and may request the inclusion of the information on school documents.

The footer includes a list of phrases to promote energy conversation including; turning down the heat, using fluorescent light, planting trees, don’t idle, purchase energy efficient appliances, bike and walk and turning off unused electronics and more.

“The intention is to keep citizens educated,” Mia said. “Education is the most affective way to make a change.”

The students said they are making changes in their own energy usage.

“I went home and switched all our lights to fluorescent lights,” Alanah said. “It felt good to do something.”

The Sandersons are proving it’s never to late to make a change.

Bruce, 91, and Char Sanderson, 86, live on the family’s homestead farm. The couple has watched renewable energies become a reality.

The Sandersons made the decision a few years ago to save on energy bills and stop paying the escalating costs for oil and propane. After doing some research, they installed a $10,000 geothermal system to heat and cool their home. Char said the system will pay for itself and will be available for future generations.

“It’s the right thing to do,” Char said. “We’re going to run out of oil and gas.”

”When you look ahead, more people will have to make these choices,” she said.

ENERGY AND THE LAW

KRISTINA HUGHES NEWS-REVIEW STAFF WRITER

LANSING – In Washington, D.C. and Lansing, energy is the word.

The campaign to reduce America’s reliance on foreign oil and invest in alternative energy research is gaining momentum in the U.S. House and Senate – with both critics and supporters.

Congressman Bart Stupak, D-Menominee, is part of the 100 hours of Congress action plan that will introduce the Clean Energy Act. The House was expected to vote on the act Thursday. The act will roll back billions of dollars in oil industry tax breaks and subsidies to then create a strategic energy efficiency and renewable energy fund.

The funds could support alternative energy development in Michigan, adding jobs and economic stimulus to a stagnant economy.

“Michigan needs entrepreneurs to use their imagination to decrease our dependency on foreign oil,” Stupak said.

In Lansing, political leaders are providing more tools to generate a renewable and alternative energy workforce. State Sen. Jason Allen, R-Traverse City, recently sponsored the Next Energy Act, designed to promote the research, development, commercialization and manufacturing of alternative energy technologies through a combination of tax credits and exemptions. Allen added the addition of biomass and thermoelectric technologies as alternative energy systems. The act was signed last week.

“The research and development of new technology is critical to move Michigan’s economy forward,” Allen said.

“Renewable energy is important to the state,” Allen continued. “We need to provide the tools to economic sectors to attract the next generation of entrepreneurs to Northern Michigan.”

Allen, who purchases wind power for his home in Traverse City, supports green businesses like Tellurex in Traverse City.

Allen hopes tax breaks will boost business.

Michael Buttigieg, of East Jordan, owns Michael’s Solar and Wind Systems business, providing consultation and installation of solar and wind units. Buttigieg said business is slow – he sold a few solar panels in 2006.

But Buttigieg believes the market will grow as costs decrease.

“The future growth in the alternative energy industry means new jobs and economic development,” Buttigieg said. “Environmentally conscious practices and economics can work hand in hand,” he said.

Great Lakes Plumbing and Heating, sells geothermal units – which can heat and cool using the earth’s warmth. Salesman Ken Ashton said the demand is increasing. The company provides analysis, installation and maintenance services.

“More people are requesting geothermal units,” Ashton said. “People are willing to pay for the infrastructure to save money in the long term.”

In Traverse City, the Northwestern Michigan College Demonstration Center is a training ground for the alternative and renewable energy work sectors (see side story). Next fall, the center will provide programs for certification for renewable energy practitioners, to install solar, wind and geothermal energy units.

Center director Bill Queen said since the program has developed, a few area businesses have added energy efficient and alternative energy products.

“The jobs related with the field could positively impact Northern Michigan, but it’s not going to happen overnight,” Queen said.

For now it’s a chicken and egg scenario, Queen said. “The market will not develop without the infrastructure and the demand cannot be filled without a market.”

The same scenario is evolving in Michigan’s auto industry.

Some Michigan leaders are challenging the state to focus on leading the way in the development of alternative fuels and oil independent automobiles.

Ethanol plants are popping up, and universities are establishing fuel cell research programs.

“We drive the combustible engine,” Stupak said. “Michigan is the auto state.”

But Stupak also believes the new energy industry could provide a boost to agriculture and forestry industries with the development of energy utilizing ethanol and switchgrass.

“The farmers really hold the key to these alternative fuels,” Stupak said.

Farmers could also create revenue by installing wind generators. According to a 2004 report by the Renewable Energy Policy Project, a Washington-based alternative energy advocacy group, wind power could generate more than 8,000 jobs in Michigan to manufacture, construct and maintain wind turbines.

Jobs are crucial, but leaders also hope to make a statement by reducing the state’s energy dependency.

State leaders are assessing Michigan’s energy use and future needs. According to the Annual Energy Outlook 2007 report, Michigan used 36.5 million tons of coal to meet its electrical generation needs last year.

Governor Jennifer Granholm will unveil the 21st Century Plan this month. The plan aims to provide a reliable and affordable source of electricity and encourages the research and implementation of alternative and renewable energy sources for electricity.

According to preliminary documents, the plan sets a renewable energy portfolio standard at 7 percent new electric sales by 2015. Michigan currently has approximately 3 percent of renewable energy. To reach this goal, officials must overcome regulatory, technical, financial and policy barriers.

Liz Boyd, the governor’s press secretary, said it is too premature to comment on the findings.

“Michigan citizens and businesses need to know that there will be a reliable, affordable source of electricity when they reach for the light switch,” Granholm said in an executive order. “We know that we need to plan to meet our electric needs in the future.”

TRAVERSE CITY COLLEGE A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES

TRAVERSE CITY – In a lab, tradesmen are building an energy efficient home. Next door, students view wind and solar energy. In another corner, community members can test a hydrogen fuel cell.

The Michigan Energy Demonstration Center at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City is a one-stop shop to learn about the potential of renewable energy.

The demonstration center is one of eight centers in the state, established and funded in part by the Michigan Energy Office and Michigan Public Service Commission.

Bill Queen, program coordinator for extended educational services at the facility, said the main purpose of the lab is to educate the public and provide programs to teach skilled workers how to implement alternative and energy efficiency technology.

Currently, renewable energy and energy efficiency technology are increasingly incorporated into the construction technology apprenticeship program.

Energy based on solar, wind or geothermal is not new, but Queen and the instructors reintroduce the old practices fused with today’s technology.

“Renewable energy is a very young industry,” Queen said. “The technology has been around for centuries, but it is not fully integrated to be considered a mature industry.”

Next fall the college will increase its energy-related offerings by providing more energy-based curriculum and certification for renewable energy practitioners to install solar, wind and geothermal energy units. The center will host programs to educate the public about the future of renewable energy, and even how to make bio diesel.

“Were taking the mystery out of the process. We answer the questions. How do you take grain and get oil?” Queen said.

The center is primarily a demonstration lab. On a recent afternoon Queen was in the energy room checking the solar energy rates.

The solar system produced 104 kilowatts of energy in 10 days in January.

The solar energy system was installed in October and has produced enough energy to power three energy-efficient homes, Queen said. In the future, Queen believes solar energy may be a perfect option to handle the peak summer capacities for area municipalities. The site also features a solar energy heating system.

The public and students can also study wind energy first hand, collecting data from a small on-site wind turbine generator.

The lab also features a hydrogen fuel cell to showcase the potential of the hydrogen industry, which first boomed in 1950 and was later used in space missions.

Most critics of renewable energies are concerned about the costs.

Queen said the cost of combustible energy is rising, and the expense to extract fossil fuels from the ground is mixed with the societal costs associated with coal mining – increases in asthma, climate change, destruction of mountain ranges and mercury in fish.

“Certainly there are issues, but there are issues with every technology. But with knowledge and education we can work through the issues to make the systems work and be economically viable,” Queen said. “We as a society have to decide how much we want to invest in the paradigm of energy.”

source : www.petoskeynews.com

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