14 DAY TRIAL // In a move set to make it one of the world leaders in producing wind power, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced it has decided to invest no less than $43 million over a period if five years in 41 related projects across 20 states.
The money are to be used to speed technical innovations, lower costs, and shorten the timeline for deploying offshore wind energy systems.
“The awards will help the U.S. to compete in the global wind energy manufacturing sector, promote economic development and job creation, and support the development of an emerging industry that will provide clean electricity to American families,” DOE explains.
“They focus on technical approaches to advancing offshore technology and approaches to removing market barriers to responsible offshore wind energy deployment. Funding is subject to Congressional appropriations,” it further adds.
Over half of the funding ($26.5 million) will go to three technical approaches to advancing offshore wind technology, including innovations in wind plant design to maximise energy capture, improved research and development of wind turbine rotors and other components, and better wind farm modelling and cost assessment systems. The rest ($16.5 million) will focus on the removing key market barriers to sustainable offshore wind power in the USA, such as expediting permits for wind farms, developing strategies for national manufacturing to support offshore wind deployment, and boosting investment by fostering transparency in the decision-making process. "The U.S. has an abundant offshore wind resource that remains untapped," said Secretary Chu. "Through these awards, the Department of Energy is developing the critical technology and knowledge base necessary to responsibly develop this resource, enhance our energy security, and create new clean energy jobs."