The US Department of Energy has reportedly earmarked $43 million for 41 offshore wind power 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. 19 of the projects are set to receive $26.5 million to address technical challenges with a goal of improving the cost-competitiveness of the US wind industry.
New projects reportedly include research and development for key components such as floating support structures and wind turbine rotor and control subsystems that could lead to capital cost reductions of up to 50%, according to DOE estimates. Further, 22 so-called "market barrier removal projects" will receive $16.5 million to research factors limiting the deployment of offshore wind in the nation’s coastal and Great Lakes regions.
The new funding comes a part of a larger announcement of more than $90 million in awards to advance development of offshore wind power, geothermal energy advancements and the adoption of electric vehicles.
Energy.gov has the full listing of new DoE award winners.
Press Release: DOE Invests $90 Million in Offshore Wind, Geothermal Energy and Electric Vehicles (SustainableBusiness.com)
