The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $7.5 million in funding for research and development to advance technologies capable of harnessing water power, including ocean wave, tidal, current and other water-based resources.
Successful applicants to the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will be required to develop collaborative project teams involving at least one other industry, university or national laboratory partner and a minimum 50% non-federal cost share is required.
"Water covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface. Using environmentally responsible technologies, we have a tremendous opportunity to harness energy produced from ocean waves, tides or ocean currents, free flowing water in rivers, and other water resources ," Andy Karsner, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said.
The FOA provides industry-led partnerships with the opportunity to conduct research on engineering standards and codes, utility grid interconnection issues associated with water technologies, technical sitting requirements, and wave and tidal resources assessments.
DOE also plans to award grants to university-led groups to conduct advanced research on marine renewable energy. These groups will serve as an information clearinghouse for the marine renewable energy industry, collecting and disseminating information on best practices research. Research will include technology testing, experimental and numerical modeling, wave forecasting, environmental impacts, and corrosion-resistant materials research.
Completed applications for this FOA are due June 16, 2008. DOE anticipates selecting up to 17 awards, and projects are expected to begin in Fiscal Year 2008. The continuation of projects beyond FY 2008 is subject to Congressional appropriations.
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