FEDS PUT $180 MIL INTO OCEAN WIND

DOE Pumps $180 Million Into U.S. Offshore Wind Energy Development
2 March 2012 (North American Windpower)

"The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)…will award $180 million to fund offshore wind energy research and development initiatives, including up to four [new demonstration] offshore wind projects…[T]he DOE will make these funds available over six years, subject to congressional appropriations, including an initial commitment of $20 million in fiscal year 2012.

"…[T]his latest research and demonstration initiative [will focus] on innovative technologies that…[could] achieve large cost reductions over existing offshore wind technologies…[and] address key challenges associated with installing utility-scale offshore wind turbines, connecting offshore turbines to the power grid, and navigating new permitting and approval processes."

DOE wants to change this. (click to enlarge)

"…[T]he DOE will continue to work with partners across the federal government to implement a comprehensive offshore wind energy strategy, conduct resource assessments, and streamline siting and permitting…[T]his support will help lower the cost and expedite the deployment of U.S.-made offshore wind energy technologies designed for U.S. coastal conditions, as well as provide opportunities to test these innovations in real offshore environments…

"The DOE funds may be used to cover up to 80% of a project’s design costs and 50% of the hardware and installation costs. Letters of intent are due on March 30, and applications are due on May 31…"