The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $72 million funding initiative aimed at driving innovation in manufacturing for wind and water technologies. The funding will support 29 projects across 16 states and Washington, D.C., with the goal of strengthening the domestic supply chain and making wind and water energy more affordable for Americans.
Under the Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO), the funding will address key deployment challenges for offshore, land-based, and distributed wind energy. This includes the development of advanced technology for high-voltage direct current transmission in offshore wind projects, innovative controls to ensure reliability, and compatibility with different types of current. Efforts will also be made to improve the accessibility and permitting processes for distributed wind energy in various communities. Additionally, research will be conducted on the social and environmental impacts of offshore wind deployment, as well as advancing bat deterrent technologies to protect wildlife.
The funding will also support projects under the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) to innovate domestic manufacturing and materials for clean energy solutions. This includes projects focused on 3D printing large metallic near-net shape components for hydropower equipment, potentially reducing production costs and lead times. There will also be efforts to enhance the production of large wind blades through additive manufacturing techniques, streamlining the blade creation process and allowing for innovative design adaptations. The funding will support state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, materials research, and sustainable practices for the development and production of large wind blades.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the importance of deploying wind turbines that harness clean power while ensuring that the clean energy transition is built in America's factories. Wind energy is considered one of the most affordable and sustainable clean energy resources in the United States, and this funding will demonstrate how it can benefit different communities and strengthen the domestic supply chain through innovation. The DOE's funding initiative aligns with President Biden's goals to strengthen the domestic supply chain and make renewable energy more accessible and affordable for all Americans.
