Cobo hosts wind energy expo

Granholm to speak at event focused on small-scale producers

Christina Rogers / The Detroit News

Detroit -- The nation's advocacy group for wind energy is in the Motor City to talk about making small-scale wind power a possibility for homes, businesses and local governments across the country.

The 2009 Small and Community Wind Conference, which began Tuesday and runs through Thursday, is designed for people looking to get involved in small and community wind power -- wind energy not associated with private utilities or large-scale wind farms that feed the nation's electricity grid. This includes wind power for homes, farms, businesses and municipalities, and typically involves wind turbines that generate approximately 100 kilowatts of power.

Hosted by the American Wind Energy Association, the event is drawing more than 1,400 visitors to Cobo Center.

Today's agenda includes remarks by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. She will be followed by Denise Bode, CEO for the American Wind Energy Association, and Trevor Lauer, vice president of retail marketing at DTE Energy.

Sessions will focus on the supply chain for manufacturing wind parts and the opportunities this segment holds for those out-of-work or in transition.

Organizers said Detroit was chosen because of its manufacturing expertise, rust-belt location and proximity to the wind-swept plains.

"We wanted to come to a place where we think there is a huge potential, particularly in manufacturing," said Chris Madison, an American Wind Energy Association spokesman.

Detroit, he said, has the need for more jobs and the factory infrastructure.

The conference is among the largest the association has hosted, not including its annual meeting, Madison added. More than 100 exhibitors, including wind manufacturers and parts suppliers, are attending.