US R&D Consortium Awards $8 Million for Offshore Wind Innovations

The U.S. National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium has selected 15 projects to receive USD 8 million for support structure and electrical system innovation, supply chain development, and solutions for impacts on wildlife and radar.

Amongst the four projects chosen for innovative support structures, DEME Offshore will develop the tri-suction pile caisson foundation concept and Esteyco received a share for the evolved spar concrete substructure for floating wind.

The consortium selected five projects to support innovations in grid interconnection and transmission, where GE Research won for its project named DC Collection and Transmission for Offshore Wind Farms and Offshore Wind Consultants for Shared Landfall and Onshore Cable Infrastructure for Cable Colocation Feasibility Study.

Furthermore, three technology development projects to mitigate use conflicts, including wildlife monitoring and radar interference, have been chosen, as well as three projects that propose innovative solutions to supply chain and installation challenges.

The National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium was established in 2018 when the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) was awarded USD 18.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy.

In addition to New York’s ongoing support, state agencies in Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland and Maine now also contribute to the consortium’s funding.