The Michigan Wind Farm Map offers current, proposed, deferred, or canceled wind power in Michigan projects. Information is taken from public and government reports from the Michigan Public Services Commission. This site is updated as information becomes available.
The Great Lakes Map of Wind Farms in Michigan
Map and Data of Wind Turbines in Michigan last updated December 2024
Michigan Wind Farm Map – Table of Contents
The Upper Thumb & Mid Michigan Leads in Renewable Energy
The Upper Thumb and Mid-Michigan regions continue to play a pivotal role in Michigan’s renewable energy initiatives, driven by the prominence of industrial wind farms. According to the latest Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) report, wind energy remains a cornerstone of the state’s renewable energy strategy, contributing 59% of the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) used for compliance in 2021. This trend persists, with wind energy forming the backbone of voluntary compliance efforts in 2023, accounting for Michigan’s role in leading the clean energy transformation.
The first wind turbine installed in the Upper Thumb was at Laker Elementary School near Pigeon in 2005. 1
The first industrial wind farms were Harvest Wind near Elkton and Michigan Wind 1 near Ubly. Both came online in 2008.1
Michigan’s Thumb (Huron, Sanilac, Tuscola) currently has 836 operating turbines producing 1584 MW of electricity. 59% of the total operating in the state. 7
Huron County has the largest installed wind energy base in the Great Lakes region, with 472 active wind turbines. 7
The Upper Thumb region hosts a high-capacity, 140-mile electric transmission line. This project is called the Thumb Loop, capable of carrying electricity or up to 2,800 wind turbines. 2
Gratiot Farms Wind Project went online on December 16, 2020, and featured 60 turbines with a 150-megawatt capacity, enough to power about 58,000 residents.
As of August 2021, Michigan has an installed operational capacity of 3,102 MW. 7
Gratiot County has the second-largest installed base of wind turbines in Michigan. (420) When the new Consumers Energy Wind Farm is completed, it will leave only four of the county’s 16 townships, Arcada, Elba, Seville, and Sumner townships, without a wind park. 8
Michigan Wind Energy Operational Stats
As of August 2023, Michigan has a total of 1,616 operational turbines producing 3,421 MW. Projections indicate that a total of 1,693 turbines with 3,842 MW will be operational by the end of 2024. (Source: Michigan Public Service Commission)
As of August 2023, the Michigan Public Service Commission is currently tracking progress on 42 wind farm projects across the state. (Source: Michigan Public Service Commission)
As of August 2023, Michigan’s renewable energy production totals 3,421 MW, with wind energy accounting for 57.1%, followed by hydroelectric (10.6%), biomass (12.4%), landfill gas (4.8%), solar (2.3%), and municipal solid waste (1.0%). (Source: Michigan Public Service Commission, 2024 RE-DG Report)
As of 2023, 23.3% of all electricity produced in Michigan is generated by renewable energy sources. (Source: Michigan Public Service Commission, 2024 RE-DG Report)
As of August 2023, Michigan has an installed wind capacity of 3,421 MW. (Source: Michigan Public Service Commission, 2024 RE-DG Report)
Wind Energy Targets
As of 2021, all of Michigan’s electric providers met – or exceeded – the 15% renewable energy standard set by the Michigan legislature under Public Act 342 of 2016. With the passage of Public Act 235 of 2023, the renewable portfolio requirements will increase to 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2035, ensuring continued growth in renewable energy. (Source: Michigan Public Service Commission, 2024 RE-DG Report)
Michigan’s renewable energy standard, as required by Public Act 342, reached 15% in 2021. With the passage of Public Act 235 of 2023, the standard is set to increase to 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2035, with an additional goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2040. (Source: Michigan Public Service Commission, 2024 RE-DG Report)
As of 2023, Michigan ranks 15th in the nation for installed wind energy capacity, with wind energy producing 7.3% of all electricity in the state. Clean Power
Furthermore, clean power projects in Michigan have avoided water consumption totaling 2,430,000 gallons in 2023, highlighting the environmental benefits of renewable energy adoption.
DTE Energy Renewables
As of December 2021, DTE Energy’s renewable energy portfolio includes over 50 wind and solar parks, collectively generating approximately 1,862 megawatts of clean energy—sufficient to power nearly 700,000 Michigan homes.
In 2023, DTE brought online the Meridian Wind Park, the state’s largest wind park, featuring 77 turbines that generate enough clean energy to power more than 78,000 homes.
Additionally, DTE has initiated construction on three new solar parks—Fish Creek, Mission Road, and Little Trout—funded through its MIGreenPower program. These developments are part of DTE’s plan to add more than 2,400 megawatts of new wind and solar energy in the coming years, aiming to power approximately 5.5 million homes with renewable energy by 2042. DTE Energy, Empowering Michigan
Consumers Energy
As of December 2024, Consumers Energy owns and operates 21 solar farms across Michigan, contributing to the state’s renewable energy infrastructure. Consumers Energy
In line with its Clean Energy Plan, the company aims to add approximately 8,000 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale solar energy by 2040, with an interim target of 1,100 MW by 2024. Consumers Energy
This strategic expansion is part of Consumers Energy’s commitment to meeting Michigan’s energy needs over the next two decades while protecting the environment by eliminating coal and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
To support this growth, Consumers Energy is actively seeking partnerships with landowners throughout Michigan to identify suitable sites for new solar farms, emphasizing the role of solar energy as a centerpiece of the state’s clean energy transition. Dbusiness
Michigan’s Largest Wind Parks.
As of April 2023, the Meridian Wind Park has surpassed the Isabella I and Isabella II projects to become Michigan’s largest wind farm. Located across Midland and Saginaw counties, Meridian Wind has a capacity of 225 megawatts (MW), featuring 77 turbines that generate enough clean energy to power more than 78,000 homes. DTE Energy
In comparison, the Isabella Wind project, which began operations in 2021, has a combined capacity of 385 MW from its two phases, Isabella I and Isabella II, making it the largest wind project in Michigan at that time.
Wind Energy Jobs and Manufacturing
Jobs Report
As of 2023, Michigan’s clean energy sector employs approximately 11,700 individuals, encompassing roles in wind, solar, and energy storage industries. This reflects the state’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure and the associated economic benefits.
In addition to job creation, Michigan has attracted $10 billion in capital investments for wind, solar, and energy storage projects.
These investments have generated $51.3 million in annual state and local tax revenues, further contributing to the state’s economic growth.
Moreover, in 2023, wind, solar, and energy storage plants in Michigan avoided water consumption totaling 2,430,000 gallons, highlighting the environmental benefits of renewable energy adoption.
These developments underscore Michigan’s dedication to advancing its clean energy sector and the positive impacts on both the economy and the environment.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Michigan Clean Energy Fact Sheet.
Manufacturing
As of 2022, Michigan is home to 26 manufacturing facilities that produce components for the wind energy industry, providing good-paying jobs and contributing to the state’s economy. These facilities are part of a broader clean energy sector in Michigan, which has attracted nearly $5.9 billion in wind energy investments to date. This investment has led to the creation of approximately 12,330 construction jobs during development and supports 435 long-term operations and management jobs. Clean Power
Additionally, wind energy projects in Michigan contribute approximately $52.8 million in state and local taxes and $38.7 million in land lease payments, further benefiting local communities. .
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Wind Energy in Michigan report by the American Clean Power Association.
The state’s clean energy initiatives have also led to substantial economic benefits, including $51.3 million in annual state and local tax revenues.
Michigan’s Thumb’s highest wind speeds occur from September through April, averaging 12.4 miles per hour. The summer months from April through September are calmer, with an average hourly wind speed of 9.1 miles per hour.
Investments
As of 2022, over $5.8 billion has been invested in wind energy projects in Michigan. This substantial investment has led to significant economic benefits, including approximately $52.8 million in state and local taxes and $38.7 million in land lease payments. Clean Power
Additionally, the development of utility-scale wind farms has created approximately 12,330 construction jobs during development and supports 435 long-term operations and management jobs across the state.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Wind Energy in Michigan report by the American Clean Power Association.
Top 5 Wind Counties in Michigan
The Thumb region continues to lead Michigan in wind energy production. Recent data from the Michigan Public Service Commission highlights the following operational turbine counts and capacities across key counties as of August 2023:
| County | Turbines | Capacity (MW) |
|---|---|---|
| Huron | 487 | 905.8 |
| Gratiot/Isabella | 484 | 1,062.4 |
| Tuscola/Bay/Saginaw | 260 | 472.5 |
| Isabella | 140 | 396.4 |
| Sanilac | 73 | 127.8 |
This brings the Thumb region’s total to over 1,902 MW of installed wind energy capacity, further solidifying its position as a powerhouse for renewable energy in Michigan.
Key Highlights:
- Huron County remains the top contributor with 487 turbines producing 905.8 MW of electricity.
- The Gratiot/Isabella region has seen continued growth, now leading in combined capacity with 1,062.4 MW across 484 turbines.
- Sanilac County, while smaller in turbine count, has increased its capacity to 127.8 MW, supporting the Thumb’s overall renewable energy leadership.
Regional Impact:
The Thumb region’s wind farms are crucial for Michigan’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) compliance, contributing significantly to the state’s overall renewable energy goals. Wind energy alone accounted for 59% of Michigan’s Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) in 2021, a trend that continues today.
With new siting legislation like Public Act 233 of 2023, the development of wind energy projects in the Thumb is poised to overcome local challenges and expand further in the coming years.
Locate Michigan Wind Farms Near You
Currently, there are no ongoing tours available to casual visitors. However, during special events like Cheeseburger in Caseville or the Harbor Beach Mariners Festival, DTE has been known to host tours. Check the event directory for potential tours in the Upper Thumb.
Detailed Michigan Wind Farm Pages
Specific details for each wind farm in the greater Thumb and Michigan area can be found in the links below.
- Apple Blossom Wind Farm
- Beebe Community Wind Farm
- Cross Winds Energy Parks (I, II, III)
- Deerfield Wind Farm
- Gratiot Wind Farms
- Lake Winds Energy Park
- Michigan Wind 1
- Michigan Wind 2
- Pinnebog Wind Farm
- Thumb Wind Park Sigel
- Tuscola Bay Wind I
- Crescent (Hillsdale)Wind Farm
Chart of All Wind Farms in Michigan
Top 5 Michigan Counties Wind Farms
Chart of Current Wind Farms In Michigan
Wind Energy Growth in the United States
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects that new U.S. wind capacity projects over the next year will be near the annual record level of additions last set in 2012. Wind capacity additions in the United States through June 2019 totaled 3.7 gigawatts (GW). Wind projects reported to EIA through surveys and on EIA’s Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory. Operators expect another 8.5 GW to come online by the end of 2019, with an additional 14.3 GW by 2020.
Note: Values given as nameplate capacity.
The cumulative U.S. established onshore wind capacity exceeded 100 gigawatts (GW) as of the end of September 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory. More than half of that amount has been installed since the beginning of 2012. The oldest wind turbines still operating in the United States came online as early as 1975.
Michigan No Longer Leads in Wind Energy
By the end of September 2019, 41 states had at least one installed wind turbine. Texas had the most capacity installed, at 26.9 GW, followed by Iowa, Oklahoma, and Kansas. These four states accounted for half of the total U.S. installed wind capacity. It’s estimated that the United States would have about 122 GW of wind capacity by the end of 2020.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Wind Farms
MLA Citation for this Story
Hardy, Michael. (2022a, February 18). Michigan Wind Farm Map (2022) • Active And Planned Wind Projects. Thumbwind Publications. https://thumbwind.com/michigan-wind-farm-map/
Related Michigan Wind Farms Reading
- Huron Continues to Lead in Wind Incidents in 2017 – 2017 data obtained from Caithness Windfarm Information Forum, a global incident collection group in the UK showed that since 1990, Huron County continues to lead Michigan in terms of wind farm accidents and incidents.
- Michigan Competitive in Wind Production, But Future Limited – Over the past twenty years, the Great Lakes region has been steadily increasing the number of new wind projects and wind energy output. Now that pace looks to have slowed with more local communities placing acting tighter zoning control over industrial wind development. Se our map of wind turbines in Michigan for details.
- Michigan Wind Farm Accidents – Publicly reported incidents regarding structural, environmental, personal injury, and transport incidents associated with industrial wind energy. Includes a map similar to the map of wind turbines in Michigan
- What to Do During a Power Blackout – A Checklist – Looking ahead, we thought it was a good idea to provide a quick checklist for preparing for an extended power outage of at least three days. Extended power outages can occur after a severe storm with associated high winds. Here is the list of supplies and things to do to make the best of it.
Sources Consulted For Map of Wind Turbines in Michigan
- AWEA U.S. Wind Industry Online Wind Projects and Manufacturing Facilities
- Detroit Free Press
- Weatherspark.com
- “Map services and data are available from U.S. Wind Turbine Database, provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, American Wind Energy Association, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory”.
- Michigan Public Services Commission – Report on the Implementation and Cost Effectiveness of the P.A. 295 Renewable Energy Standard February 15, 2019
- Today in Energy – U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Michigan Public Services Commission
- Gratiot to get 6th wind farm
What about the Gratiot County wind farm?
I plan on an update in the Fall.
I have a cabin on lake Huron in Oscoda and can see a row of red lights on a clear night,
Could it be possible these are wind farms in the thumb
Yes that’s exactly what your seeing. By next year you may see up to 200 more turbines. Thanks for your observation.
Do these red dots on the horizon have an effect on you?
From where we are at we look north toward you. There are frees behind us so we don’t see the turbines. I’m sure they are visible to you and at Tawas.
Do you know the location of the wind farms in the Consumers Energy Cross Winds Project planned for Huron County?
Crosswinds Energy Park will be located in Tuscola county in Michigan’s Thumb. Consumers Energy plans to locate the the wind turbines for 150 MW project in Columbia and Akron Townships.
Do you know the location of the wind farms in the Consumer’s Energy Cross Winds project planned for Huron County?
I work on the beach at Tawas Point State Park, on clear days I too see the turbines offshore, can you tell me the name of the wind farm that appears offshore in Tawas? I was assuming that what I see was near Caseville.
Your seeing the Echo Wind Park. DTE is currently working to get all 70 turbines online this year.
Thanks for the info.
On the clearest of days you can just make out the tops of the turbines…if I remember right, the curvature of the earth allows us to see around 8 miles…it would be a fun trip to kiteboard out there and back.
I’m moving to Deford soon. I’m interested in employment, in support of the wind farms. Where can I find job postings?!
Sorry, I misunderstood the intent of your site. I thought you supported wind farms. Please feel free to NOT post my earlier comment. But, I would be interested in hearing more of your thoughts about how wind farms are spoiling The Thumb. Thanks!
Hi Jim, I neither support nor oppose wind development in the thumb. I have been very critical of how the initial development was handled. It was a land rush by energy companies and land owners who hoped to cash in. Now local government is wiser and taking a step back to assess the damage and draft new regulations.
On the plus side, renewable energy is a requirement for a sustainable future. I wholeheartedly support wise implementation and use of wind and solar.
Thanks for stopping by.
This is clearly disingenuous. Mr. ThumbWind, you evidently have an anti-wind stance. Stating otherwise is telling.
I’m sorry you feel this way. As a life long resident and taxpayer in Huron County I feel there has to be healthy skepticism about what DTE and others are telling the community. Nothing wrong with that. Don’t you agree?
It’s not a question of how I feel. Your statements on the matter are evidence enough “in favor of turning this land into a Green-Zone example for industrial energy production and a corporate farming enterprise that only pollutes and spoils the Tip-o’ the Thumb.”
You can characterize it as “healthy skepticism” or whatever else you like but it’s just NIBY plan and simple.
I took my wife and children on a “color tour” today. We visited http://www.johnsonsgiantpumpkins.net/ as well as stopped for lunch at a local eatery and bought some grocers for the drive around the Tuscola Bay Wind Farm. We put around $200 into the local economy…..because the
After driving thru the are between M81 and M25 for over 5 hours I can tell you a few things.
1)Wind turbine are massive. With the right vantage point you can see them from miles away. With the wrong vantage point (even within a mile) the entire Farm of over 75 turbine can be invisible.
2)With winds in the 20mph range today the noise from dry standing corn made it so I couldn’t hear the turbines. Passing cars were many times louder. This wind turbines are basically silent.
3)Almost no one lives in the area were these turbines are in operation. The houses in the area are for the most part a mile or more apart. Lots of Corn and Soy Bean very few people. I would guess the peak population density anywhere I drove today(that was within a mile of a Turbine)was under 50 people per square mile. Most of the area was probably 10 or under with some 0 in there.
4)Wind Turbines at first glance are a very rare example of form and function peaking a pinnacle together.
We will be going back, farther north to see more of the development and other sights in the thumb…..that I have only been to once before……after living near Detroit for 30 years and in Michigan my whole life…….
I also find it noteworthy that clearing the land and planting massive mono cultures for sale down state is fine…in-fact the basis of the entire economy in the area…but Wind Turbines to make power to sell down state is looked upon negatively by some.
I have written about wind turbines and support natural sources of energy. Smiles, Robin
Love seeing windmills, Can you tell the best hwys, in the thumb area to view them. Traveling with in a week from US23 north.
Get to Bay City and take M-25 To Port Austin. You will start seeing the turbines near Sebwaing. Have a good trip.
You have got to take the back/dirt roads … and then you will only see the smaller turbines that have been built. Nothing like the 499 plus footers that will be built … on “flat”land .. small turbines “nestled” amongst hilly land is no more than a deception to get you to fall for the monstrosities that are to follow.
I’m interested in the positives and negatives of wind turbines. I think they are beautiful in a sleek kind of way. But I don’t have to live near them. And one of my birder friends says they are deadly to migrating birds, yet another says they can be placed out of migrating paths and are not deadly to birds. Confusing.
PS: Thanks for stopping by my blog.
In the last few weeks I have seen a number of trucks hauling turbines west on M12 . Where are they headed?
I’m looking into it.
The last few months I have seen many trucks hauling these west on M12 through Saline. Where are these going?
I will have to check that one out. There was a project I that area but it was halted about a year ago.
There has been a wind farm just north of Deckerville for several years. Why is it not on the map?
What is the name of the project?
Probably Michigan Wind 2. It’s a bit larger than indicated by just the green marker. Eg: http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=43.635827&lon=-82.705078&z=12
Thanks…I’ll be adding additional announced projects soon.
Could you tell me how many turbines are going up on Schott Road in Dwight township in Huron County, Mi
I will have to research for an exact number.
I continue to see wind mills being trucked west on US-12 through Saline, Clinton and to US-127. I am not sure where they go after that. That is as far as I have followed them. Have you determined where these might be going?
I am bringing a group of 20 university students on a civic engagement/career exploration trip around Michigan and would like to know if anyone can provide me direct contact info to request a wind farm tour in the thumb area of Michigan? If so, please email it to me at careercenter@ferris.edu
Michele..DTE has conducted tours during the summer months. I would think that Ferris would be a welcome visitor. I will try to make contact with the local DTE staff to close the loop for you. What dates are you thinking?
Tuesday, March 8th in the afternoon or Wednesday, March 9th in the morning. I can be reached at 231-591-2685. Thank you!
Michele..I’ve reached out to DTE and they may call you directly. the Harvest Wind parks I Huron Co. are quite a sight.
FUCK WIND TURBINES!!! I bought a house on Lake Huron for the view, and it is being WRECKED by UGLY wind turbines…I am trying to start a class action suit against them!!!!
Good luck with that
I have been pro renewable energy for quite some time however those turbines are enormous, ugly and a complete distraction they ruin the landscape, they look like something out of HG Wells War of the Worlds, very little has been spent on experimentation with fusion which could provide an entirely new form of clean energy
We agree. While wind energy must be part of the solution its not the sole source for renewable. Thanks for stopping by.
How do you pick the land…does each farmer have the same chance?
Energy companies conduct studies for placement of wind turbines in specific areas. This is overlaid on maps showing structures, zoning and restricted areas such as homes and schools. The result is a patch work of land area in which owners can be offered a lease. Thanks for stopping by.
We have a cottage on Lake Huron in Tawas City. Most nights, we can see a line of flashing red lights on the lake’s horizon. First time I saw them, I didn’t know what to make of it — especially since they all flash in unison. I’d be interested in the reason for that, since there must have been some additional cost to make that happen. If the wind farm is near Sebawaing as you say, that’s around 34 miles across the bay. By the way, on and around the 4th of July we can also see fireworks displays taking place in the thumb across the bay. I imagine folks in the thumb can do the same.
Those I the interior will notice the lights flashing at night. Those on the shore will not see them.
“Plans underway show 1,151 turbines with 2,132 MW operational at the end of 2016.” A nearly doubling in turbine count? Where? Do you have some information to support this claim?
Hi James, those estimates were cast in 2010 based on the passage of Michigan Senate Bill 213. That bill can be found here. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mpsc/2007-SNB-0213_254495_7.pdf
Also refer to http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mpsc/wind_farm_summary_407660_7.pdf for specific cur the builds and estimates. Thanks for stopping by
There is a windmill park scheduled to be built in 2017 in southern Sanilac county. Fremont and Speaker townships are supposed to get between 75 and 100 windmills. Land has been leased.
Thanks for the information. Good stuff.
What kind of jobs do these wind parks offer the people of the thumb area?
Once built the wind farms employ about 5-10 people to manage several farms. They are all monitored remotely. They are specially skilled specific to the turbine type and project.
They are in the Ithaca, MI area.