News & Updates

We're pleased to share that our graduate-level study abroad program in Taiwan, focused on marine energy technologies, has successfully concluded. The program was integrated with NAVARCH 540 – Marine Dynamics III and provided a rich academic and cultural experience.

Through collaborations with National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) and National Taiwan University (NTU), students participated in immersive fieldwork and research. They accessed NTOU’s offshore wave energy converter site near Keelung and engaged with NTU’s cutting-edge TaidaFloat floating wind platform project.

The program achieved its goal of giving students firsthand exposure to advanced marine energy systems, while also fostering international academic partnerships. We are proud of the insights gained and the connections built through this initiative.

🔗 Detailed program schedule: NA540 Taiwan Field Trip

🔗 Learn more about the program: Faculty and Student Perspective: New Study Abroad Program in Taiwan | Global Michigan

The University of Michigan's recent study, published in Ocean Dynamics, highlights the significant potential for offshore wind energy in the Great Lakes region, estimating over 700 gigawatts of energy capacity, surpassing that of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.  This capacity could supply twice the annual energy consumption of the Great Lakes region.

However, the study addresses several challenges that hinder potential future offshore wind development in the region:

• Technical: The depth of the Great Lakes necessitates floating wind turbine designs in most areas, as fixed-bottom structures are only viable up to 60 m (~200 feet).

• Ice Challenges: Ice formation and drift pose risks to turbine performance and platform's structural integrity.

• Environmental: Potential effects on wildlife (e.g., migratory birds and bats) and aquatic ecosystem (e.g., fish, invertebrate, algae blooms, water quality, etc.) are significant considerations.

• Community Concerns: Visual impact and influence on recreational and tourist activities should be carefully investigated.

We're excited to share that Beaver Island, Michigan, has been chosen as the testing site for a new wave energy converter prototype developed by the University of Michigan.  This initiative aims to harness Lake Michigan's wave power to provide a more reliable and sustainable energy source for the island's approximately 600 year-round residents, who currently rely on a single, often unreliable, underwater cable for electricity.

The project, led by Dr. Xiaofan Li, involves a multidisciplinary team of engineers and sociologists working closely with the local community to identify the optimal location for the wave energy converter.  Initial discussions considered offshore wind turbines; however, concerns about visual impact and tourism led to a preference for wave energy solutions, which are more efficient and less obtrusive.

Funded by a $10,000 catalyst grant from U-M's Graham Sustainability Institute and supported by a joint rural research partnership between the Institute for Social Research and…

We're here to share that Beaver Island, Michigan, has been selected as the testing site for a new wave energy converter prototype developed by the University of Michigan. This initiative aims to harness Lake Michigan's wave power to provide a more reliable and sustainable energy source for the island's approximately 600 year-round residents, who currently rely on a single, often unreliable, underwater cable for electricity.

The project, led by Dr. Xiaofan Li, involves a multidisciplinary team of engineers and sociologists working closely with the local community to identify the optimal location for the wave energy converter. Initial discussions considered offshore wind turbines; however, concerns about visual impact and tourism led to a preference for wave energy solutions, which are more efficient and less obtrusive.

Funded by a $10,000 catalyst grant from U-M's Graham Sustainability Institute and supported by a joint rural research partnership between the Institute for Social Research and the College…