Biden-Harris Administration Allocates $72 Million to Advance Wind and Water Energy Technologies

Washington, D.C. (Natural Energy News): In a significant stride toward President Biden's commitment to bolster clean energy initiatives, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a $72 million investment encompassing three vital projects. These endeavors aim to revolutionize manufacturing processes for wind and water technologies and accelerate the equitable and sustainable adoption of offshore and land-based wind energy.

This funding comprises $27 million allocated from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will support 15 projects dedicated to research, development, and community engagement. These efforts intend to expedite the equitable and sustainable deployment of both offshore and land-based wind energy. An additional $45 million will be channeled into 14 projects designed to enhance domestic manufacturing for these technologies, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

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A Pivotal Moment for Clean Energy

These investments carry substantial implications for the future of clean energy in the United States. The demand for components like hubs and bedplates for wind and water turbines is projected to increase dramatically, necessitating innovative manufacturing solutions to meet clean energy goals.

Wind energy, already the largest source of renewable power in the United States, accounts for over 10% of the nation's total electricity generation. To achieve the ambitious target of a fully decarbonized power sector by 2035, the deployment of wind energy must be significantly accelerated, from the current average of 7 gigawatts per year to a range of 70 to 145 gigawatts per year by the end of this decade.

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Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding

Under the Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding encompasses several key areas:

High-Voltage Direct Current for Offshore Wind Transmission (4 projects, $8.5 million): These projects will focus on advancing technology for the transmission of large amounts of electricity from offshore wind over long distances. They will also develop innovative controls to ensure reliability and compatibility with alternating and direct current, in addition to addressing education and workforce training gaps.

Advancing Deployment of Distributed Wind (1 project, $4,500,000): This initiative will streamline permitting processes for distributed wind energy, making it more accessible and cost-effective for communities to deploy.

Offshore Wind Energy Social Science Research (5 projects, $6.5 million): These projects will study the economic and other impacts of offshore wind development on local communities, ensuring that offshore wind deployment is just and sustainable.

Bat Deterrent Technology Development (5 projects, $7.5 million): To protect wildlife and their habitats, these projects will advance bat deterrent technologies through research, technology development, and field testing.

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Innovations in Manufacturing

Under the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO), funding will support innovations in domestic manufacturing:

Near Net Shape Manufacturing (1 project, $14,900,000): This project aims to revolutionize the production of large metallic near-net-shape components, potentially reducing production costs by 20% and lead times by four months.

Large Wind Blade Additive Manufacturing (4 projects, $7,996,328): These projects will integrate additive manufacturing techniques for large wind blades, enhancing efficiency and adaptability in blade production.

Additive Manufacturing of Wind Turbine Components (3 projects, $5,999,845): These projects will employ advanced additive manufacturing approaches to produce critical components for wind turbines, streamlining production and allowing for innovative design adaptations.

Advanced Manufacturing, Materials, and Sustainability (6 projects, $15,891,793): These initiatives will focus on state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, materials research, and sustainable practices for large wind blades.

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These projects align with DOE's commitment to offshore wind energy, the Offshore Wind Supply Chain Road Map, the Floating Offshore Wind Shot initiative, and DOE's Wind Energy Supply Chain Deep Dive Assessment for 2022.

These investments underscore the Biden-Harris Administration's dedication to accelerating the transition to clean, sustainable energy sources and achieving ambitious clean energy targets.

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