DOE to host Offshore Wind Public Meeting (USA)

One year ago, DOE, in partnership with the Department of Interior (DOI), released the National Offshore Wind Strategy. The Strategy addresses two critical objectives: reduce the cost of energy through technology development to ensure competitiveness with other electrical generation sources; and reduce the deployment timelines and uncertainties limiting U.S. offshore wind project development.

To realize these objectives, the DOE Wind and Water Power Program has developed a comprehensive approach and investment strategy to mobilize the offshore wind industry in the categories below:

Technology Research and Development that will reduce cost of offshore wind energy through innovation and testing (19 offshore wind technology development projects to receive $26.5 million, announced September 2011);

Research Addressing Market Barriers in order to facilitate deployment and reduce technical challenges facing the entire industry (22 market barrier removal projects to receive $16.5 million, announced September 2011);

Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects that further the industry knowledge base for the benefit of all stakeholders (the subject of this meeting).

These initiatives support the demonstration and development of advanced offshore wind energy technologies in various water depths (freshwater, deepwater, shallow water, and transitional depth installations) and geographic locations (Atlantic, Pacific, Great Lakes, and Gulf of Mexico).

During the pre-solicitation public meeting to be held on February 7, 2012, DOE will provide information on and accept comments regarding the planned Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), DE-FOA-0000410 including specifically the topical areas:

•  Types of demonstrations;
• Proposed timeframe and funding considerations;
• Proposed scope of efforts potentially covered by DOE funding;
• Anticipated types of data collection and use;
• Technology innovation and the ability to scale project solutions in order to achieve cost competitiveness.

The public meeting will include an introductory session that provides contextual background to the proposed FOA, including the National Offshore Wind Strategy, followed by an open question and answer forum. A complete agenda will be available at the meeting and in advance to pre-registrants. The event is open to the public based upon space availability. DOE will also accept public comments as described above for purposes of developing the FOA, but will not respond individually to comments received. Registration prior to the public meeting is not mandatory but is preferred to facilitate event planning. There is no cost to register.

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Offshore WIND staff, January 30, 2012