Beaver Island Community Joins U-M Wave Energy Project
We're happy to share that residents of Beaver Island, Michigan, are actively participating in the University of Michigan's initiative to develop a community-centered wave energy converter. This collaboration aims to harness Lake Michigan's wave power to provide sustainable and reliable energy for the island's approximately 600 year-round residents, who currently depend on a single underwater cable for electricity.
During a recent visit, U-M researchers, including doctoral student Vishnu Vijayasankar and assistant research scientist Xiaofan Li, engaged with the community through workshops and surveys. The response was enthusiastic, with 15 residents joining a feedback panel and 21 expressing interest in ongoing surveys. This community involvement is crucial for designing a wave energy prototype tailored to the island's unique needs and environmental conditions.
This project is part of a broader $3.6 million National Science Foundation-funded effort led by Professor Lei Zuo to develop community-centric wave energy solutions. The initiative emphasizes co-designing technology with local communities to ensure the solutions are both effective and embraced by those they serve.
🔗 Learn more about the project: Beaver Island residents sign up for U-M wave energy panel
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