Denmark – The U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) and Innovation Fund Denmark have partnered on the advancement of floating offshore wind energy systems.
With a proposed funding opportunity of $4.2 million, this initiative seeks to propel floating offshore wind technology towards cost-effective commercialization and widespread deployment.
Floating offshore wind presents a unique opportunity to tap into previously inaccessible renewable energy resources, particularly in areas with deep waters where traditional fixed-bottom wind turbines are not feasible. By harnessing the vast potential of offshore wind, this initiative aims to provide clean energy solutions to coastal cities while driving economic growth and job creation.
The proposed funding opportunity aligns with the objectives of the Floating Offshore Wind Energy Shot, a collaborative effort between multiple U.S. government departments to reduce the cost of floating offshore wind energy and facilitate widespread deployment. By focusing on research to enhance mooring technologies and methods, the initiative aims to address critical challenges in securing floating platforms to the sea floor, thereby enabling the scaling up of offshore wind projects.
Supporting projects
The funding opportunity is expected to support projects addressing five key topic areas, ranging from compatibility strategies for mooring and cabling to the development of novel station-keeping systems and components. Additionally, the initiative will prioritize the development of monitoring and inspection technologies for moorings to ensure the reliability and performance of offshore wind systems.
