Offshore wind in the US got a boost today as Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced a six -year $180 million initiative to support four wind farms.
$20 million will be available this year for offshore projects that accelerate deployment of next generation wind technologies, but the initiative’s funding depends on congressional appropriations.
The funds will be used for research and demonstration projects that showcase innovative technologies that can achieve large cost reductions over existing offshore wind technologies. They will help address key challenges associated with installing utility-scale offshore wind turbines, connecting them to the power grid, and navigating new permitting and approval processes.
DOE is continuing to work on a comprehensive offshore wind strategy, and on streamlining siting and permitting.
In September, DOE announced $43 million for 41 offshore wind projects in 20 states over the next five years to speed technical innovations, lower costs, and shorten the timeline for deploying wind farms at sea.
Read about the ‘Smart from the Start’ program that’s speeding development of offshore wind in the US and proposed offshore projects off the coasts of Long Island and Rhode Island.
There’s an estimated 4000 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind resources in the US.
Interested parties need to supply letters of intent by March 30 and applications are due May 31, 2012. More information:
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