The Observer, January 26, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 14
Cleveland on Fire: Use of wind-turbines may provide environmental, economic benefits for city
In the middle of January, there are not many people who want to talk about the wind in Cleveland. It is cold, bitter, and uninviting. Some smart and inventive individuals are discussing it, and believe that there needs to be an increased effort in wind-power development. Contrary to the sweeping chill, it would provide innovation, energy, economic development, and a positive image to the region.
Northeast Ohio has often been at the edge of innovation, but lately has fallen behind in opportunities to become national and global leaders. Two recent examples were also technologically related in Cleveland's bid to become a wireless, digital city and the race to become the premiere biotech center in the nation.
The latter case has been deterred by the slow-moving West Quad and developments in other markets. Recently, San Francisco announced that – in collaboration with Google – they are going to have a completely free wireless system for the entire city. Missed chances such as this are examples of the inept and narrow-minded leadership that have hindered this region.
Wind-power is another goldmine literally on our shore that Cleveland has an opportunity to explore. Initially experimented with next to the Great Lakes Science Center, large windmills have proven to be potential energy sources for our region. With the increasingly expensive costs of non-reusable fuel sources, this clean and innovative resource could propel this region forward.
An energy task force has determined that a wind-farm should be constructed at least three miles out in Lake Erie. If 10 turbines were built, they would catch average wind speeds over 15 miles-per-hour and generate up to 20 megawatts. To put that in more realistic terms, a small farm could power tens of thousands of homes and businesses.
These turbines are not the historical windmills that imaginations may conjure up. Rather, each tower would be 240 feet tall and have blade spans longer than the length of a football field. There are no water-based turbines in the United States and no fresh water turbines in the world. If completed, Cleveland would become a leader in the Great Lakes region, the United States, and the global marketplace for alternative energy sources.
More important than the environmental impacts of wind-powered development is the economic opportunities for the city. Green research could have the potential to explode in the region as corporations and teams come to study the results, increase efficiency, and expand its outcome. Furthermore, the people brought to the region would be a section of the oft-talked about creative class which the city strives to attract.
Not only should this opportunity be explored, but it should be followed through with a clear and definitive plan for the region. To maximize the environmental, economic, and social impact of the turbines, a wind-district should be created and built on the principles of sustainability. If all of the energy generated from these turbines were concentrated on this community, it would be a dynamic change and bring about economic development.
Research and commerce related to wind-power could be offered incentives to live there. Sustainable and 'green' houses could be constructed in a mixed-use, diverse, and attractive neighborhood. If it was centered around a transit station then this could become an ideal twenty-first century model to the rest of the world.
Once again this region is at the forefront of innovation, but it will take strong partnerships that often doom progress. For the sake of the next generation of Clevelanders, it's time for our political and community leaders to step up.
Verespej is a senior Political Science/Pre-Law student involved in the performing arts and is also the Executive Director for the Student Turning Point Society.
