The DOE Supports Offshore Wind Energy Mooring and Anchoring R&D
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) has launched a new Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) in partnership with Innovation Fund Denmark, allocating a total of $4.2 million to support U.S.-Danish consortia focused on enhancing floating offshore wind energy mooring and anchoring technologies. This initiative aims to foster collaboration in research that will lead to cost-effective solutions for floating wind energy, ultimately advancing the industry and increasing reliable energy sources for communities. Proposals are encouraged to tackle specific themes, including compatibility strategies for mooring systems, high-reliability moorings for large-scale projects, novel station-keeping systems, and improved monitoring technologies for subsea components.
WETO is particularly interested in promoting participation from minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and underserved communities, ensuring diverse perspectives in the clean energy transition. Each proposal must include both U.S. and Danish entities working in a well-balanced consortium, with a minimum of 40% of the federal funding directed toward MSIs. An informational webinar is scheduled for October 17, 2024, to provide further insights on the FOA, with applications due by January 14, 2025. This funding opportunity aligns with national goals to deploy 15 gigawatts of floating offshore wind by 2035, contributing to a sustainable energy future while addressing environmental justice and job creation.