The USA plans to cement its position as one of the world leaders in the field of wind power generation with a $43 million fund aimed at speeding development of offshore wind energy systems.
Announcing the fund, U.S Energy Secretary Steven Chu said tapping offshore wind power would provide America with a "vast clean, domestic, renewable resource," critical to meeting the nation’s ever-growing energy demands.
41 projects across 20 states will receive cash through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to advance wind turbine design through innovation and new technology and make improvements to critical areas of wind energy investment, such as infrastructure planning and supply chain development.
According to a statement from the EERE, it will be America’s heavily populated coastal cities that would benefit most from improved wind energy systems.
"The awards announced today will help the United States 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."
Over half – $26.4 million – of the funding will be concentrated on 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 remainder 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.
"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," Secretary Chu said.
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