The U.S. Department of Energy is offering $30 million in funding for research and development projects to lower the costs of wind energy, the DOE announced recently.

With the funding opportunity the DOE seeks to accelerate cost-effective U.S. production of lightweight composites and other materials "that allow wind turbines to produce power more efficiently," the agency states in its Feb. 10 announcement.

"Because wind energy is the largest source of renewable power in the United States and one of the most affordable sources of energy today," the DOE states, "it is a critical tool for reducing our reliance on fossil energy, and next-generation technologies and manufacturing improvements will help bring down costs even more."

The funding, administered by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)'s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO), will be awarded to projects that improve the manufacturing process and the performance of composite materials used in wind energy, according to the announcement. Lightweight composite materials are capable of reducing emissions by increasing the efficiency of wind power generation and reducing the weight of vehicles, making them more fuel-efficient.

Applicants are required to submit projects focused on one of three topic areas: Large Wind Blade Additive Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing of Non-Blade Wind Turbine Components, or Large Wind Blades: Advancing Manufacturing, Materials, and Sustainability. Concept papers are due March 23, the announcement states.

“The wind sector has proven to be a reliable source of clean power for homes and businesses in a variety of geographic areas,” DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in the announcement. “Investing in next-generation materials that will lower the financial barriers to widespread deployment supports President Biden’s domestic manufacturing and clean energy goals.”