News & Updates

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…

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…